Every homeowner needs to have confidence that their boiler is in good condition throughout the winter months so that they are able to keep their home warm and comfortable even in the coldest periods. Boiler breakdown can be common during winter which can create a difficult living situation, so here are a few tips for preventing boiler breakdown which will also give you peace of mind throughout winter.
Keeping the Pipes Warm
One of the biggest issues that occurs in the winter months is a frozen pipe, which could lead to cracks or a burst pipe and leaking. This occurs when the water in the heating pipes is left to cool in sub-zero conditions, which causes the water to freeze and expand. To prevent frozen pipes in winter, it is a good idea to keep the heating on even if it is a very low temperature while you are out so that the pipes stay above 0 degrees.
Pipe Insulation
Another way to prevent frozen pipes in the winter months is to purchase pipe insulation, which is particularly helpful if you have an older heating system. This material simply wraps around the pipes and will prevent them from freezing as well as be more efficient at retaining heat.
Boiler Care Package
A boiler care package is a smart investment for any homeowner for a few reasons. Most include an annual servicing which will involve a professional heating technician coming out and taking steps to make sure that your boiler is in the best possible condition. Arranging this before the temperature starts to fall is smart and should ensure that you will not encounter any boiler issues throughout the winter months and that your system is working efficiently at all times. If you do happen to encounter any issues, the policy should include fast emergency callouts so that you can get the issues resolved as quickly as possible and with minimum disruption.
You may also be able to get support with a boiler grant if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Refer to Boiler Grants for more info.
Bleed the Radiators
It is also good practice to bleed the radiators before you start to rely on the central heating. This is because pockets of air can accumulate inside and if left for a long period, this can affect the radiator’s ability to heat a room, which not only will make it colder but could also lead to a hike in your energy bill. Bleeding the radiators will get rid of these pockets of air and make sure that your radiators are working efficiently, which should help you to keep the home warm at all times while also keeping your energy bill down.
Powerflush
Similarly, it is a good idea to get a heating engineer to perform a powerflush through your heating system. This is a process which involves pumping a cleaning solution throughout the system which will remove sludge, rust and anything else which could be affecting performance and will extend the life of your boiler. This means that it is always worthwhile, especially if you have boiler issues and/or you have not used the central heating for a long time.
Do Not Leave Heating Unused For Too Long
It might sound strange, but it is a good idea to use the heating even during the summer months and could end up saving you money in the long run. If the central heating is left for months unused, it can seize up and become faulty when called into action which could lead to expensive repairs. Simply turning it on occasionally to a very low temperature will ensure that it stays in good condition for when you need it most.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to prevent boiler breakdown and be able to provide a warm, cosy and comfortable household throughout the winter months.
