How To Avoid Boiler Breakdowns this Winter

20-11-2018

Everyone fears a boiler breakdown, especially once the colder months are with us. The following tips could not only help prevent your boiler from breaking down, but also keep your central heating system in top condition throughout the year.

Understand How Your Boiler Works

Knowing how your boiler works can help you detect any faults or problems, and could even save you money if you discover something is wrong before more damaged is caused. Ensure you read and understand your boiler's manual. If you've lost your manual, you might be able to download it from the manufacturer's website.

Annual Boiler Service

We understand that time flies and servicing your boiler can be easily forgotten, but boiler maintenance and regular checks can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and repairs. An annual boiler service can also protect those you care about and save you money!

Insulate Your Pipes

Available from most DIY shops, pipe insulation can prevent your pipework from seizing up when the temperatures drop below zero during winter. Pipe lagging can stop water in your pipework from freezing and bursting, prevent the build of condensation and save you money on your energy bills as the insulation helps preserve heat within your pipes.

System Power Flush

Power flushing your central heating system can prevent boiler breakdowns and significantly improve boiler efficiency. By circulating high-strength cleansing chemicals, a power flush can remove debris, rust and contaminants from your central heating and is more cost-effective than replacing an old, inefficient boiler.

Bleed Your Radiators

Trapped air in your central heating system can cause your boiler to work harder than it needs to, which can increase your energy costs. Bleeding your radiators is a relatively easy process that can help remove any trapped air within your central heating system. Ensure you monitor your boiler's water pressure after bleeding your radiators, the pressure should be between 1-1.5 bar.

Keep the Pressure On

Boiler are most efficient when the water pressure is between 1-1.5 bar, and consistent water pressure is necessary for the efficient operation of your gas boiler. A loss of water pressure can cause your boiler to breakdown. Most boilers have a pressure gauge on the boiler's front to display your heating system's water pressure.

Check Your Heating Regularly

If you have a combination gas boiler, it is advised to regularly turn on your boiler throughout the year, even during the warmer months when your central heating is not in use. To prevent breakdowns during winter, simply switch on your heating for 15 minutes once a month during the summer.

Gas Safe Specialists

Do not carry out the above tips if you're not 100% comfortable with what you're doing. If in doubt, it's always best to trust in a professional. All our relevant staff are Gas Safe Registered and we're happy to provide no obligation advice and answer any of your questions over the phone.

We offer expert boiler repairs and maintenance to help you fix unforeseen issues and breakdowns. Call us on 01295 224844 today!