Follow these top tips to keep your boiler in tip top condition all year round:
1. Boiler pressure:
A large number of boiler repairs are related to low boiler pressure. It is easy to keep an eye on the boiler pressure gauge to check that your boiler pressure is at the right level. The wrong boiler pressure will affect the performance of your boiler and can indicate deeper boiler problems.
If the boiler pressure drops too low, your boiler will stop working. For most boilers the pressure is too low if the dial is marked at level 1 or less on the pressure gauge.
Keep an eye on the coloured markings on the dial and check the instructions in your boiler manual to avoid boiler problems related to low pressure occurring.
From time to time you may encounter a drop in pressure as your boiler gets older, providing it is not a sign of a bigger problem your boiler pressure can be easily rectified by increasing the pressure according to the instructions in your boiler manual.
2. Annual service:
It might not be what you want to hear but that annual boiler service is a necessary routine if you want to stay comfortable and warm all year round.
The condition of your boiler may be far from your mind in the warm spring and summer, but once the cold sets in, you will be mightily glad to know that your boiler is functioning at optimum level and ready to take you through the cold, snow and ice that will soon be on its way.
The inner workings of a boiler are impossible to keep track of, so your annual boiler service is essential. If you live in London or the surrounding areas you can book your annual service with us easily on: 020 7272 2259. Trade Force Gas, London.
3. Internal system clean: Like any other system your boiler system will need a clean from time to time. Consider the build up that a system that is used day and night must incur. Over time your radiators, boiler and central heating system will get full of debris and rust that will affect the entire system from operating properly, including your radiators and boilers.
Bleeding your radiators to release trapped air is part of your boiler and central heating housekeeping, however you can go further than this and have your boiler cleaned or deep cleaned by experienced gas engineers.
A deep clean of your central heating system is known as a Powerflush involving the use of chemicals to aid the removal of debris from your system. You can expect to need one at some point to keep your boiler, central heating system and radiators operating at an optimum level, saving you money in the long run.
4. Switch it off: Another way to make savings is to switch your boiler off during summer or to the hot water only setting if your boiler is a combi boiler. However, don’t forget to switch your boiler on at least once a month and let it run for at least 15 minutes to keep things ticking over.
5. Insulate your pipes: Avoid boiler problems due to frozen pipes when the temperature drops by insulating your pipes with lagging to keep things running smoothly in any weather. Frozen pipes can cause blockages, leaks and a complete boiler breakdown, so having the foresight to lag your pipes earlier in the year will be of huge benefit when winter arrives.
Lagging your pipes is a straightforward job that you can carry out yourself quickly and easily. Furthermore, your newly insulated pipes will help to save energy and increase the efficiency of your system. Lag all the pipes that run from your boiler to the radiators and hot taps, as well as those in your loft.
Polyethylene foam is the most common type of lagging used across the UK to insulate the pipes for your central heating system. Sold with a central slit, all you have to do is slip the lagging over your pipework to install. Affordable, effective and easy to fit, you can find polyethylene foam lagging in any local DIY store.
Whether you need boiler servicing, cleaning, repairs or maintenance for your home or business, at Trade Force Gas we work across north, south, east and west London, as well as the surrounding areas.
With over twenty years experience delivering domestic and commercial maintenance, installation and repairs across London, our experienced and friendly Gas Safe engineers are always on hand to service your boiler. Give us a call on: 020 7272 2259, 24hours a day, 7 days a week or visit our website. Trade Force Gas, London.