With energy prices set to rise again by another 40% (or more) this autumn, millions of you will be counting on your boiler to be at peak efficiency to ensure you can afford to keep your home heated throughout the winter. But what you might not realise is the amount of damage you might unwittingly be doing to your boiler during the summer months, when you use it far less.
Here are five essential tips to keep your boiler in good shape over the summer so it doesn’t let you down when you need it most.
1. Get Your Boiler Serviced Regularly
When was the last time you had your boiler serviced? If it’s been longer than a year, then it’s time to get it done. Servicing your boiler not only helps to keep it running smoothly and efficiently but can also identify any potential problems before they evolve into catastrophic failures.
Most boiler manufacturers recommend that you service your boiler annually (some even stipulate that you need to undertake annual services to keep their warranty valid), and the summer is the best time to book this kind of work when heating engineers tend to be less busy.
2. Turn Your Heating On Infrequently
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving their heating off all summer. When the first cold morning arrives in autumn, they switch their heating on and are shocked to find that their boiler has packed in.
Leaving your heating off for months on end is actually one of the worst things you can do for your boiler, as it can cause parts to rust and seize up.
With that in mind, it’s essential that you turn on your heating once every few months during the summer to prevent this from happening. Some boilers even have a “summer mode,” which turns on the heating in small bursts every now and again to prevent you from encountering any issues related to lack of use.
While it may seem silly to turn on your heating when it’s warm outside, this small task can save you a lot of money (and hassle) when the cold weather returns.
3. Book in a Power Flush for Your Central Heating System
Over time, your pipes, radiators, and boiler can become clogged with sludge and debris. This not only reduces your central heating system’s efficiency but can also cause lasting damage to your boiler if left unchecked.
To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to book in a power flush for your central heating system every few years (or more frequently if you have an older boiler).
A power flush involves using a specially-designed high-powered pump to push a chemical decontamination fluid through your entire central heating system (flushing out all of the sludge and contaminant buildups), and it’s something that should only be undertaken by a qualified heating engineer.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
Another problem that can occur during the winter is frozen pipes. When temperatures plummet overnight, the water in the pipes can freeze, causing them to expand and potentially burst.
To prevent this from happening (and having to call out an emergency plumber in the middle of the night), it’s a good idea to use the warmer summer months to insulate your pipes. This is something that’s relatively easy to do yourself and only takes a few minutes, but it could save you a massive headache later down the line.
Other small insulation tasks you can take care of during the summer include:
- Sealing small cracks and openings in doors, windows, and elsewhere.
- Setting down draught excluders beneath doors and other draughty areas in your home.
- Buying thicker curtains to cover your windows.
These will all reduce the amount of energy required to heat your home, easing the burden placed on your boiler.
5. Bleed Your Radiators
Lastly, another simple task you can carry out yourself that will help maintain your boiler’s efficiency is bleeding your radiators.
Over time, small pockets of air can become trapped in your radiators, which reduces how well they transfer heat and causes your boiler to work harder than it needs to.
To bleed your radiator, all you need to do is find the valve (usually located at the top) and use a radiator key to open it. Once you hear the air hissing out, wait for the water to squirt out, close the valve, and dispose of the excess water in a sink or bucket.
This is a quick and easy task that anyone can do, but it can make a big difference in how hard your boiler has to work when heating your home come winter.
Contact Wirral Plumbers Today for Your Boiler and Central Heating Needs
By taking care of these five essential summer jobs, you can help to prevent your boiler from packing in when the cold weather hits.
Of course, if you do encounter any problems with your boiler or central heating system, our team of qualified plumbers at Wirral Plumbers are always on hand to help.
We provide a comprehensive range of boiler and central heating services, including:
- Boiler Installation
- Boiler Repair
- Boiler Servicing
- Central Heating Installation
- Power Flushing
- And much more
To find out more about our services or request a free quote, simply get in touch with our team today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and advise you on the best course of action for your needs.
