A boiler is an essential part of every household. We rely on the boiler all year round for hot water but we forget to do annual servicing of boilers. It is important to service boilers on time to avoid unexpected breakdowns and heavy repairing costs. Boiler services can help you in maintaining boiler efficiency. In this article, we have discussed 9 reasons why it is important to service your boiler:
1. Identify and address minor issues before they escalate
If left unattended, small problems with your boiler can develop into more serious issues, requiring extensive and expensive repairs. Regular maintenance and repair can help save you a lot of money on future repairs. An engineer will help reveal and fix any small problems in their early stages.
2. Helps you save money on energy bills
Even though servicing will cost you money, it will save you a lot more in the long term. During the session, the engineer carries out a complete range of checks and tests to ensure that your boiler is working efficiently. Keep in mind that if your boiler is working at reduced efficiency, it will cost you more to run. Ensuring that your boiler is working efficiently will help you to save money over time. However, this will also depend on its age and type.
3. The entire process takes a very short time
The service session lasts no more than 20 minutes. For something so important and the amount of money it can potentially save you, this is a significantly short amount of time. Once completed, the engineer will leave you with a boiler checklist of information. You should keep it safe for future reference.
4. What does a boiler service entail?
The engineer starts by inspecting the boiler and its controls to ensure that they are functioning properly. Next, the engineer checks for any corrosion and leaks and ensures that the gas is at the correct pressure. They also test the flue to ensure that it is not emitting any toxic fumes.
5. Bleed your radiators
Inspecting your radiators before autumn and winter is crucial. Bleeding your radiators is also recommended. You may have to bleed your radiators the next time you turn your heating on to keep your boiler functioning well or to check for any potential cold spots. If you are confused, bleeding your radiator basically means releasing any trapped air inside the radiators. This typically happens when air bubbles get trapped due to a summer switch-off.
Hint: It is beneficial to balance your radiators at the same time.
Bleeding your radiators not only helps to ensure that they warm up properly but also work more efficiently. This way, you reduce the strain on your boiler and avoid potentially serious boiler issues.
Hint: Bleeding your radiators is a simple task that you can do yourself. You just need your radiator key and a couple of towels to catch any water. This is where the term ‘bleeding’ comes from.
6. Check the Boiler’s Pressure
In order to check your boiler’s pressure you need to set your boiler at the correct pressure to circulate heated water throughout your home’s pipes and radiators. Low pressure often leads to heating issues. You also need to check the boiler’s pressure gauge to ensure that it is at the correct level as per the instructions of the manufacturer. This is usually between the 1 and 2 bar.
In case you notice that the pressure is too low or too high, you can make the necessary adjustments on your own. But if you are not sure, leave it to an approved engineer. This is because it can be easy to damage the ‘Pressure Release Valve’ of the boiler. It is recommended to re-pressurize your boiler at least once or twice a year.
Hint: Check the manufacturer’s user manual to determine whether it is safe to do re-pressurize your boiler.
Here’s how to repressurize your boiler:
- Turn off your boiler and let it cool
- Check to ensure that both ends of the filling loop are attached securely – the designs may vary from one brand to another
- Open both release valves. This allows cold mains water into your home’s system. You should be able to hear this.
- Wait until the pressure gauges read 1.5 bar
- Close the valves, one after the other
- Switch on your boiler, and if needed, press the reset button
- Once your boiler is back on, check the pressure
- Undo and remove both ends of the filling loop. Ensure to catch any spilling water with a container.
- Ensure to keep the filling loop somewhere safe
7. Powerflush the Radiators
If after bleeding your radiators they are still not warming up properly, “sludge” might be the culprit. Over time, dirt and grime can build up in your pipes and radiators to such a level that it causes the boiler not to heat your home as effectively. With time, your central heating may start to suffer corrosion – a much bigger and more expensive problem to fix.
If you discover that there are cold spots on your radiators, they are not working properly, or your heating is taking an unusually long time to pick up, you may want to power flush your radiators. Powerflushing is the process of removing dirt, sludge, rust, and debris that may have accumulated in your boiler, pipes and radiators by sending water through your central heating at high speed.
8. Insulate Your Pipes
Pipe insulation, also known as ‘lagging‘, is a simple and important yet often overlooked task that helps to minimize stress on your boiler. Insulating your pipes helps to save you money on heating bills. What’s more, it is a very simple thing to do using easy-fitting foam tubes. These tubes not only help to minimize heat loss, but they also help to keep the water hot for longer. This tubing or lagging is available in most shops. However, ensure that you know the right size for your pipes.
9. Regularly Clean Your Boiler
While you may not realize this, keeping your boiler clean is very important when it comes to keeping your boiler in a good working condition. Regular cleaning helps to prevent your boiler’s pipes and tubes from getting clogged up, which not only impacts its performance but can also lead to increased heating bills. Thus, to keep dust from settling on your boiler, make sure to clean the outer housing. Cleaning the interior of the boiler is usually part of the service.