The changing face of central heating and how it affects you
5th October 2023
While a boiler cover plan takes care of most unexpected, boiler related issues, there may be a couple of exceptions. Think of it like your contents insurance. If you swing a golf club at your TV, your insurance provider might not cough up for a replacement. Careful maintenance of your boiler will make sure that whatever mishaps might occur, you should be protected.
Most of our top tips for taking care of your boiler are straight forward; some can even be included in our boiler care plans, if you want to take the hassle away from boiler maintenance all together.
1 Annual boiler servicing
Besides keeping any insurance you have valid, regular servicing also is the best way to extend your boiler’s lifespan and ensure it operates at peak efficiency. New boilers are expensive and most care plan providers prefer to prevent issues occurring over dealing with the fall out. Our Sensible Boiler Care Plan options all include an annual service as standard. It just makes sense.
2 Keep your boiler clean
Like you, your boiler prefers a tidy house. Dirt and dust can cause your boiler to work harder than necessary, leading to wear and tear over time. Try to keep the area around your boiler clean and uncluttered. During your annual service, your engineer will clean the boiler parts, but it’s good practice to keep the external parts and surrounding area clean too.
3 Check the pressure
Boilers need to maintain a certain pressure to operate effectively. If the pressure is too low or too high, it can cause your boiler to work inefficiently or even cause damage. Check the pressure gauge regularly and contact a professional if you notice anything unusual. If you’re unsure about what normal should look like, you can contact one of our friendly professionals to talk you through it.
4 Bleed your radiators
This sounds dramatic but it really isn’t. If your radiators are colder at the top than at the bottom, it probably means there’s trapped air inside that needs to be released. Trapped air makes your boiler less efficient, pushing up bills and causing potential issues. Releasing the air is called bleeding your radiators. But before you rush out to purchase leeches for the purpose, here’s a handy step-by-step guide to follow.
5 Check for leaks and drips
Leaks and drips are seldom good news. Regularly checking for leaks and drips in and around your boiler and pipes will allow you to get them sorted quickly, if they appear. Not only can leaks lead to more significant issues down the line, but they could potentially invalidate your boiler cover, if not addressed promptly.
6 Insulate your pipes
This can be absolutely vital if you live further north. During the colder months, pipes can freeze and potentially burst; causing significant damage to your heating system, not to mention your wallet. By insulating your pipes, you minimise the risk of the water inside freezing and causing a massive headache.
7 Regular use
Even in summer, it’s a good idea to run your heating system for about 15 minutes every so often, to keep it in good working order. You wouldn’t leave your car sitting there for months on end without a run about, right? Same goes for your boiler. It needs to stretch its legs once in a while.
Maintaining your boiler is not just about ensuring your boiler cover remains valid. It also improves your boiler’s efficiency, extends its lifespan, and provides a safer environment for your home. For more information on boiler maintenance, servicing or to find out about our boiler care plans, please get in touch.
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