A fully functioning boiler is one of the most important machines in your house in the winter. However, during the summer months, it can be tempting to neglect it.
You can lower the risk of unpleasant surprises by following some simple tips on maintaining your boiler the whole year.
Understand the best settings for your boiler
Some people choose to turn their boilers off completely for the warmer months and this may be an option for you.
Adjusting the settings to meet your needs is a vital aspect of boiler maintenance. Consult your boiler’s manual for the recommended settings before making any new changes.
One way to keep all the systems running smoothly year-round is to do a monthly check-in. For 15-30 minutes once a month, turn on your boiler to reboot the system and keep everything in good working order.
A boiler can be dangerous if not cared for or used improperly. No matter what type of boiler you have, good ventilation is always vital. Make sure that the vents are never obstructed and that you can quickly access it in case of emergency.
Bleed your radiators at least once a year
To keep your heating system running at its maximum efficiency, you must ensure that you pay close attention to the radiators. It’s likely that you will need to bleed (i.e., release the air from) your radiators at least once a year.
This ensures an even heat distribution throughout your home. Fixing this common problem will make sure you’re not putting undue pressure on the boiler. Make sure to make it part of your routine.
Once you’ve identified exactly which radiators are displaying uneven heating, turn off your heating and get the tools you need to bleed it. Some old towels and a bleed key are essential.
Turn the key in the valve until you hear the air escaping. You should do this until the air stops and only water is dripping out (those old towels are necessary to clean up the mess!).
Do this for all the radiators in your home. It’s important to check the heating system pressure when you’ve finished to ensure that it’s at a normal level.
Again, consult your boiler manual for the full instructions.
Book in a boiler servicing appointment with a professional heating specialist
There is only so much that you can do without specialist knowledge of how to service a boiler. Aside from being unsafe to do without the proper training, getting your boiler serviced will identify any other issues you need to be aware of.
Making a regular servicing part of your yearly routine has multiple benefits. You can be sure that the cost of the service won’t compare with the cost of a premature boiler replacement.
A licensed and professional heating specialist like Duffy Heating not only guarantees a warm home in the winter, but also a host of other services as standard servicing your boiler.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a dangerous silent killer which causes over 40 deaths per year in Ireland. All trained heating specialists will be able to inspect your boiler and ensure that you are protected from this risk.
Protecting your boiler all year round is simple and achievable
Following the above tips will contribute to a safe and well-functioning boiler. There is no secret formula to maintaining your boiler. It’s similar to any other machine in your house.
Anything that works as hard as a boiler deserves long-term care and attention. A cared-for boiler means a warm and cosy house, after all!
