The changing face of central heating and how it affects you
5th October 2023
Despite being lulled into a false sense of security by October’s milder days, winter’s arrival is upon us. But as we prepare ourselves for the yuletide festivities ahead and cosy evenings by the fire, it’s worth remembering that the winter chill can spell bad news for your boiler and wider central heating system.
So, what happens when the only thing between you and a damp, cold New Year’s eve is your boiler…? That hunk of metal starts to feel like more of a priority, right? Here are a few issues you may need to contend with:
Will your boiler crumble under the pressure?
One common source of central heating strife is the sudden, increased demand for heating when the temperature falls; similar to what happened across Europe at the end of October. As temperatures plummet, households rely more heavily on their boilers. This heightened demand can strain heating systems, leading to breakdowns, inefficiencies and a whole host of issues that could leave you out in the cold. A simple and timely boiler service could mean the difference between a Christmas to remember and one to forget.
Damp
The damp climate of the UK can also take a toll on your central heating system. Moisture and condensation can accumulate in heating components, leading to rust, corrosion, and deterioration over time. This in turn can lead to an inefficient boiler, higher heating bills and eventually a boiler breakdown. Regular servicing is the best way to avoid the build-up of gunk in the system and ensure that everything continues to function as it should. Of course, you could also just look at a boiler care plan to take your boiler woes away. Starting from just £1/week, you can check out our sensible boiler care plans here.
Old age
Older central heating systems are more susceptible to winter-related issues. Many UK homes still use older model boilers and radiators that may not be as energy-efficient, or reliable as newer models. These older systems can struggle to keep up with the demand for warmth during winter, resulting in uneven heating and higher energy bills…not what you need to hear in the lead up to Christmas. Our boiler care plans cover boilers of any age. Oh, and we can install new ones too, obviously. You can chat to one of our friendly team members to discuss the best options for your home if you’re unsure of the best course of action.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue during winter, causing blockages and even burst pipes that can lead to a very costly and unexpected bill. Snow and ice accumulation on external boiler vents can also hinder proper ventilation, reducing the system’s efficiency and causing safety issues too.
To combat these winter-related challenges, regular maintenance, including boiler servicing and radiator bleeding, is your best course of action. Our engineers can also advise on properly insulating your external pipes and components to avoid freezing.
Despite its beauty and obvious festive appeal, winter can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not properly prepared. Make sure your boiler and wider heating system are ready to face the brunt of what winter has to throw at us this year and get in touch with the good guys. That’s us by the way.
Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today
