How to look after your boiler in winter
10th December 2013
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As the cold winter weather starts to bite, you need to make sure you check your heating boiler before Christmas and don't be left out in the cold.
With the icy breeze making winter days colder than ever before, so we rely on our central heating to keep us warm. It’s fair to say we use our central heating this time of year than in any other months of the year.
So if it does break down, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible, especially if you live with children or elderly relatives. Signs your boiler could be heading for the brink this winter are
- Cold radiators
- Hot water not running correctly
- Boiler making a kittling sound
- Noisy pump
- Non blue flame
- Difficulties with your overflow pipe
But don't worry, there are tips you can follow to make sure your boiler works as it should:
- Keep checking your boiler regularly, that way you'll spot any damage to it early and the repair costs will be less
- Read any instructions you have for your boiler so you know how everything should be
- It sounds silly and obvious, but ensure your boiler is switched on
- Check the pressure of the boiler, but remember adding too much pressure can be dangerous. If the temperature is too low there might be a leak somewhere
- Have your boiler serviced regularly, and ideally replace it every 12 years or so, in order to ensure it is the most efficient boiler for your home.
- Insulate your condensate pipe to stop it freezing and de thaw it if necessary. To insulate the pipe, use a material called lagging.
Plumbers and central heating engineers are in demand more than ever in winter to do the above jobs , but you should only pick qualified tradespersons who are on the gas safe register, as is the legal requirement. A worker who is on the register will have their own ID badge and license number.
We’re proud to say that our bestof bolton engineers and plumbers are on the register.
VPS Plumbing work at residential and business properties across Bolton, and won’t charge a call out fee if you need them over the festive period. Their number is 01204 876692.
BHE Services work with the top boiler brands across our town. They can be reached on 01204 684034.
P&D Heating and Bathrooms have many years’ experience installing kitchen and bathrooms. Just call them on 01204 876758.
If your boiler is working right, the right temperature for your house are as follows:
- Lounge: 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Bedroom: 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rest of the house: 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit)
So make sure you maintain your boiler properly so your house is heated correctly. Remember that if you have the temperature any higher you could be wasting money, and any lower and you could be risking your health.
