With winter fast approaching, ensuring your boiler is up to the job is an essential task for us all. Here, Roger Oakley, Production Director at H2O Heating & Plumbing, discusses how people can keep their homes warm during colder months.
Being faced with a broken or inefficient boiler is everyone’s worst nightmare when winter approaches – so ensuring boilers are working as they should is something which should be on everyone’s to-do list.
Has your boiler been serviced?
The best way to ensure your boiler is up for the job at hand is to get it serviced. It is one of those adult-admin tasks which can be easy to put off, but it is absolutely essential.
Annual services by qualified engineers will help highlight any issues which could cause your boiler to be less efficient. Additionally, it will also ensure it is operating safely and avoid unexpected costly repairs.
The service will involve inspecting and cleaning boiler parts, as well as checking for general wear and tear. Services will help you rest assured everything is working as it should.
In this difficult financial climate we find ourselves in, an efficient boiler is also essential to reduce energy bills – making for both safety and cost benefits.
If you have a warranty for your boiler you must arrange a service every year – so be sure to keep on top of your paperwork!
How can you spot a problem with your boiler?
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify when things aren’t working as they should. The best way is through annual servicing.
Many modern boilers may display an error code including a letter and number – which you should be able to identify in your instruction manual.
Typically, modern boilers should last between 10 to 15 years, but that can vary depending on usage and how often its serviced.
When it comes to older equipment, however, developing issues can be identified through an increase of noise. Or, if the water mist leaving the flue begins to look different, that may also be a sign.
Getting a professional to look at it will always be the best way to identify a problem.
How can you cut energy bills this winter?
Energy usage is considerably higher over the winter – we are heating our homes and using more hot water. With that comes higher bills.
But there are some simple steps which can chip away at costs.
Turning the temperature down from 65°C to 60°C will reduce the amount of energy used, while still heating your home and water as you need. This will result in reduced costs and help increase the lifespan of your boiler.
Devices like thermostatic radiator valves or individual room thermostats will also help ensure heat is where it is needed, rather than in rooms used less often.
Is your boiler in need of a checkup? Whether you are a homeowner, landlord or estate agent, get in touch to book your boiler or water cylinder service.