Boilers represent deceptively large investments, with the installation of a new unit heating system costing £3,000 on average. With this in mind, it’s important that you take proactive steps to safeguard your investment, by ensuring that the system is well-maintained and continues to operate efficiently over time. But how exactly can you achieve this objective? Here are some simple and cost-effective maintenance tips to help you on your way.
Tips to maintain your boiler
1. Consider Annual Boiler Servicing
Most reputable and Gas Safe-registered engineers offer what’s known as an annual boiler service, and this is arguably the best way to ensure that your unit is running smoothly and safely.
This involves a Gas Safe-registered engineer attending your property and conducting a full inspection of the boiler unit, including several essential checks and safety tests.
By having this undertaken once each year, you can guarantee the efficiency of your heating system and identify any potential faults before they become too problematic or costly to repair.
2. Bleed your Radiators
When it comes to maintaining your heating system, it’s also important to identify any issues that can be corrected without the help of an accredited engineer.
If you notice cold spots appearing on your radiators, for example, it may be that you have some air trapped in the heating system. This may cause the bar pressure of your boiler unit to rise, but it can also be easily resolved simply by bleeding your radiators and releasing the air from the system.
This should be done whilst your boiler unit is switched off, and it’s a breathtakingly easy way to ensure that the heating systems continues to work to an optimal level.
3. Switch your Boiler on Briefly During the Summer
During the summer months, it’s only natural that you should keep your boiler switched off for extended periods of time. Whilst this can help to save you money, however, it may prove to be a false economy if the boiler develops faults or errors that only become apparent during the winter. So, we’d recommend turning on your boiler for at least 15 minutes during each summer month. Alternatively, you could leave your boiler running for longer but switch the heating function on, as this will keep the unit functioning without increasing consumption.
What You Should do During Boiler Maintenance Service
It is essential to ensure that the engineer can perform their work safely and successfully during a boiler repair service. During a boiler maintenance service, you should accomplish the following:
Clean Out Around the Boiler
Before the engineer arrives, make sure the area around your boiler is free of clutter, such as boxes, tools, and cleaning supplies. This will allow the engineer to readily and safely access the boiler and its components. To avoid any potential threats, keep any pets away from the area as well.
Allow Access to the Boiler
Make sure the engineer has unrestricted access to the boiler and its components, including the flue, pipes, and controls. If the boiler is in a cabinet or behind a panel, be sure it can be opened and closed simply. If any keys or tools are required to gain entry to the boiler, make sure they are easily accessible to the engineer.
Provide Useful Information
It's essential to provide the engineer with any pertinent information regarding your boiler, such as the type and model, installation date, and any past maintenance work. If you detect any problems with your heating or hot water, such as leaks, noises, or decreased performance, notify the engineer so that these areas can be inspected.
Allow Enough Time for the Service
Depending on the intricacy of the system and the quantity of work required, a boiler maintenance service can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Allow enough time for the service and make yourself available to answer any questions the engineer may have. You may also be required to turn off the boiler during the servicing, so be prepared for any disruption in your heating and hot water.
Follow the Engineer's Advice
Following the service, the engineer will provide you with a report detailing the work performed and any issues discovered. They may also advise you on how to maintain and increase the efficiency of your boiler. It's important to follow this advice to keep your boiler running safely and efficiently, and to avoid any potential malfunctions or repairs.
It is essential to clear the space surrounding the boiler, provide access to the boiler and its components, supply appropriate information to the engineer, allow enough time for the service, and follow the professional's advise during a boiler maintenance service. You can guarantee that your boiler is safe, efficient, and performing optimally by doing so.
Speak to a heating engineer
Regardless of how old your boiler is or its existing levels of performance, you’ll need to liaise with an accredited engineer to maintain its function by carrying out both planned and unscheduled maintenance.
As Gas Safe registered engineers with 20 years of experience and a reputation for excellence, we’ve got you covered whether you’re in need of a new boiler installation or your latest annual service. To find out more about how we can help you, why not give us a call today on 01702 808750 or 07884 300700 . You can reach out to us through the contact form on our website.
