Is Your Boiler Ready for Winter? Find Out Now!
When winter temperatures drop below zero, you must ensure your boiler is in good condition. Emergency gas engineers can perform boiler repairs, but it is better to check every part before the winter so there is no last-minute hassle.
This blog will help you determine whether your boiler is ready for winter and what measures can be taken if it is not. Make a boiler maintenance checklist and start the process.
Understand the Warning Signs
How to test your boiler before winter? You need to look for warning signs. These could be cracks, leaks, clunking sounds, gas, fumes, or odours. If you notice any of these things in your boiler, get it checked by an expert.
When your boiler works perfectly, your pilot light burns a blue flame. If the pilot light is burning in a different colour or going out frequently, there could be some underlying issue with your boiler that needs to be fixed immediately.
Book an Annual Boiler Visit
The best boiler maintenance tip before winter is to prepare your boiler for winter by booking an annual boiler visit. Look for a gas safe registered boiler expert who performs annual boiler maintenance. The specialists will check all parts of the boiler, clean them, and ensure the boiler operates safely.
Use your Boiler Occasionally
If you don't use the boiler regularly, run it occasionally for 15-20 minutes to keep it in good condition. This will prevent the components from getting jammed up or developing blockages from staying unoperated for a long time.
Fix the Boiler Pressure
If you are wondering, "Why is my boiler losing pressure in the winter?" there could be several reasons for this. When the pressure is too low, it might not heat up; when it is too high, it might cause leaks. You can adjust the boiler's pressure yourself through the filling loop. Make sure you read the boiler manual carefully and then adjust the pressure. Call the professionals if you need clarification.
Bleed the Radiators
Bleeding the radiators means releasing the air trapped in the boiler. The air that accumulates over time can stop the water from circulating through the radiators. Bleeding the radiators can make your central heating much more effective.
The air trapped in the radiators limits the efficiency of your boiler. A gas leak engineer can fix it.
Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
There could be a fatal carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is not safe for humans as it can cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, and more. It is colourless and odourless, which makes it quite difficult to detect. Install carbon monoxide detectors to keep you and your family safe.
Insulation of Condensed Pipe
During winter, the condensate pipe sometimes freezes and causes the boiler to shut down. That's why it is important to insulate them with foam pipe lagging. You especially need to do this in areas exposed to very low temperatures. Never use hot boiler water on the condensate pipe if you suspect a frozen pipe. You can instead use warm water to thaw it.
Boiler Checks by Experts
There is a high demand for emergency boiler repair in the winter, often having longer wait hours and high charges. That's why the best time to service a boiler in the UK is during off-seasons. An annual boiler service will ensure that you have peace of mind and that it will not end up troubling you in winter. Signs your boiler needs servicing before winter are strange sound, unpleasant odour, water leaks, lack of heat, low water pressure, high gas bills, inefficient home heating, regular boiler shutdown, colour changing the pilot light, and lack of maintenance.
A boiler service typically has these covered:
- Visual inspection of the boiler
- Check for damage & leaks in the boiler
- Checking the boiler pressure and performing boiler repair
- Checking the pipes & flue
- Check if the boiler is not emitting CO
Have an Emergency Plan
Is boiler servicing necessary before winter? Preparing and checking your boiler is the best thing you can do, but sometimes, there could be an emergency. Keep a plan to call the emergency heating engineer in an unexpected situation.
Winter is coming, and you must stay updated with everything that can make your wintertime convenient, warm, and cosy. The boiler is the most important element in any house in the UK during winter, keeping the house warm. RyGroup has experts who can help prepare your boiler for winter in the UK. This will ensure your boiler is ready for winter.
Also read: 5 alarming signs of a gas leak all UK homeowners need to spot!
