With biting winds and snow blanketing the UK this winter, households are turning to their boilers to combat the chill. Boiler experts are urging homeowners to prioritize maintenance and safety as their boilers work overtime during these cold months. Joshua Houston, Boiler Expert at GreenMatch, emphasizes, "We're all looking for ways to reduce our monthly outgoings. Making our boilers more efficient means they don't have to work as hard, leading to lower energy bills." Taking action now to care for your boiler could save you money both on repairs and energy expenses.
One key tip is to clean your boiler regularly. Houston recommends performing this task at least once every six to twelve months. Dust and other debris can accumulate on the surface, leading to rust and inefficiency. "The average cost of a new boiler ranges from £1,500 to £3,500. Following this simple cleaning tip could save you thousands," he explains.
Houston also advises homeowners to check their boiler pressure, which should ideally be between 1 and 2 bars. If it falls below 1 bar, water may have been lost from the system. "Locate the valve on the pipework and open it slightly to increase the pressure," he says. "Aim for between 1 and 1.5 bars before closing the valve." Proper pressure ensures the boiler operates effectively, maintaining consistent hot water and heating.
Another winter necessity is insulating pipes. When temperatures plummet, there is the risk of pipes freezing, which can force the boiler to work harder and, unfortunately, even burst. Houston suggests using inexpensive foam tubes to insulate your pipes, saying, "These tubes can keep your water warm longer, alleviating some of the strain on your boiler and saving you money."
Don't forget about your radiators! Houston recommends bleeding them yearly to eliminate trapped air, ideally before starting your heating system again. "Ensure the heating is off first, locate the bleed valve, and turn it anticlockwise until you hear air escaping. Close it once water flows out," he details. This process ensures radiators heat evenly and efficiently.
Finally, make sure to get your boiler serviced regularly. Hiring a Gas Safe-registered engineer annually can help spot early issues before they escalate to costly repairs. "Your boiler is integral to your home, and it must be serviced regularly to maintain performance," Houston notes.
While maintaining your boiler, it's equally important to be cautious about what you store near it. Joanna Flowers, British Gas Service and Repair Engineer, warns against storing flammable materials such as clothes or cleaning supplies around the boiler. "These items can pose fire risks, especially when temperatures fluctuate inside the boiler cupboard," she explains. Hanging jackets or towels over the boiler could inadvertently create the conditions for overheating or block necessary airflow.
Flowers stresses the need for adequate clearance around boilers, adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines as stated in the product manual. "Most boilers need at least 50mm of clearance from adjacent walls and 600mm of space at the front for technician access," she advises. This space ensures proper ventilation and safe operation.
The combination of proactive maintenance and appropriate storage practices not only enhances boiler efficiency but also protects against potential fire hazards. So this winter, heed the expert advice: keep those boilers clean, the pipes insulated, and the storage areas clutter-free. Taking these steps can lead to significant savings on energy bills and give you peace of mind as you stay warm during the harsh cold.
Regular boiler check-ups paired with smart storage strategies will keep your system running smoothly and safely throughout the winter. This season is the perfect time to review these practices and implement them diligently.