During winter you rely on your boiler more than ever to keep the cold air at bay and the heating on. However, this essential home appliance can be subject to a range of problems that are easy to avoid by carrying out simple maintenance. Whether you are a landlord with multiple properties or simply a homeowner, here are some tips for winterising your boiler.
It might seem like a hassle to check the pressure of your boiler regularly, but ensuring that it remains within its recommended range is important. This is because water that is too low can cause your demand for hot water to be met with difficulty, while water that is too high can damage the boiler and lead to leaks throughout the property.
You might be tempted to turn the heating up for longer periods when it is cold, but this can result in higher energy bills as well as overworking your boiler. Instead, you should try to set the thermostat at a slightly lower temperature for shorter periods and switch it off when you leave the house. This way your heating will run for less time and it will also be more efficient.
If you have gas-fired heating, it is a good idea to have your boiler serviced before the winter comes around, as this will ensure that it is running properly and that there are no potential problems. It is also a good idea to have the condensate pipe insulated, as this will help to prevent it from freezing in the cold weather. When you need Boiler Service Cheltenham, visit www.hprservicesltd.com
Another way that you can help to protect your boiler during the winter is to bleed your radiators. This helps to keep your heating system working as efficiently as possible. The process involves removing the trapped air from the radiator, which will then allow it to heat up more effectively. If you find that your radiators are cooling down at the bottom, it is likely that they need bleeding.
It is also a good idea to consider installing a heat tracing system in your property, which will help to keep the pipes above freezing levels. This is achieved by putting a layer of heated tubing around the piping and insulating it, so that the heat from the tubing keeps the pipes above freezing levels. This will also be much cheaper to install than having your boiler fixed if the pipes freeze and are then damaged.