Central Heating Boiler Maintenance
As the heart of the home, a boiler is essential in daily life; heating the rooms and providing us with hot water. It is normally something we take for granted, but sorely miss when problems arise! Following these vital maintenance tips will keep your central heating running as efficiently as possible through these colder months, and could help to save you money and hassle in the long run.
Study the boiler manual supplied
This is the starting point to get to know your boiler, reading the boiler manual is important. Whether you have just moved into a new house or property or just had a new boiler installed, take the time to read through the user manual and familiarise yourself with the different parts and settings on the boiler. All makes and models are different, so don’t presume that you already know everything about your new central heating boiler. After reading through the manual keep it safe for next time.
Annual boiler service
Just like with a motor vehicle, an annual boiler service will ensure that it is running properly and at its maximum efficiency. A gas safe certified engineer will be able to clean out all access areas, ensure that there is no visible damage, and identify any problems that may cause the boiler to break during the year. It is important to get your boiler serviced at least once a year and Autumn is a good time to do this.
Check the system pressure
The pressure gauge is normally located underneath the boiler or on the front control panel and should be checked from time to time. Read the manual and check your operational settings. If the system pressure is low, then read how to top it up, but do not add too much water to the heating system. The manual will give you specific details on how much pressure to put in the system. Check the pressure gauge from time to time during the year as a drop in pressure can mean there is a leak somewhere or a fault.
Bleeding the radiators
Even if your central heating boiler is working correctly, you can still have problems with the radiators themselves. A common problem is when the radiators only heat up at the bottom and they are cold at the top, meaning that they need the air bleeding out of the system. Use a radiator key to open the bleed valve and hold a paper cloth underneath to catch any drips. You should hear a hissing noise as the air is forced out of the system, close it when water starts to come out on your paper cloth. After the radiators are fully bled, the radiators should be hot all over and heat all the way up. It’s advisable to check your pressure gauge after bleeding, as bleeding causes the pressure to drop in the system.
