As the winter draws closer, the health of your boiler becomes more important. There are several things that you can do to look after your boiler. Taking good care of your boiler can help your boiler to last longer and reduce the possibility of issues arising; it can also increase the value of your home. A boiler breakdown can cause massive issues for you and your home, so ensuring that you are looking after it correctly is vital.
The specifics will depend on the type of boiler you have, so below is a list of generic measures that can be applied universally.
Boiler Types
The first step is identifying the type of boiler that you have. This can help you to look at more specific ways in which you can care for your boiler. The three main types of boiler available in the UK are combi boilers, conventional boilers and system boilers.
Combi boilers control both the central heating and the hot water within a property. This type of boiler is one of the more modern options. It is also the most energy-efficient of the three, so it is an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Conventional boilers, as the name suggests, is the most traditional of the three. It is made up of a water storage tank and a cylinder. They can supply large quantities of hot water, which makes it a good option for those with multiple bathrooms. As it is a more traditional form of boiler, it works best with traditional heating system models.
System boilers do not have a water tank. Instead, they provide a constant supply of heated water. They are better for those who are lacking in space as they do not have a storage tank. Once you know which type of boiler you have, you can assess its strengths and weaknesses and come up with a personalised care plan to prevent breakdowns.
Looking After Your Boiler
One of the best ways in which you can head of potential problems is by getting your boiler serviced regularly. A boiler service is conducted by a professional; they perform a thorough inspection of your boiler system to ensure that everything is safe and running as it should. Unfortunately, a lot of people neglect their boilers, and they only take notice of it when an issue arises. An annual service can minimise the risk of damage and costs and improve your home’s heating and energy efficiency.
The radiators in your property have a distinct impact on how hard your boiler will have to work to heat your home. And so, while not explicitly focussed on your boiler itself, bleeding the radiators can help to improve the efficiency of your boiler. It minimises the risk of the boiler working too hard and overheating or even breaking down by removing unnecessary air pockets that could jeopardise the system.
The pressure of your boiler also has a significant impact on the performance of your boiler. It is completely normal for the pressure to drop during the lifespan of your boiler. However, keeping an eye on the pressure will notify you of any issues, and you can nip them in the bud. For most boilers, a pressure reading of under one bar is considered low, and further checks should be carried out.
Boilers need a well-ventilated space in order to operate properly. It can be easy to clutter up the space around your boiler, and in doing so, you compromise the ventilation. Make sure you are checking the space and tidying away any unnecessary clutter.
Finally, during the summer, you will likely turn your boiler off as you won’t need it. Although to prevent any issues arising from a boiler idling for too long, you should try to turn your boiler on every month or so for fifteen minutes. This allows the boiler to kickstart and helps to head off any potential problems that result from it being switched off for long periods of time.
As this list shows, there are many different habits that you can implement into your routine to help keep your boiler in tip-top condition. However, sometimes it is best to start from the beginning and make sure that you have the best boiler for your home. Check out companies such as Boiler Central to see if you can get a great deal on a new boiler. You can then improve your boiler care habits to benefit your new appliance.
In Conclusion
For many, their boiler is essential for their comfort and sometimes health during the winter months. Taking the proper care is vital to ensure that this lifeline remains intact. Implementing these few measures can help to make sure that your boiler remains healthy. If you want to tailor your care routine, first ascertain the type of boiler you have, and then you can conduct your own research to see if there are any make or model specific care instructions.
