A central heating system is something that all residences and buildings in the UK possess. The average homeowner heats their home to 17 degrees Celsius, while most would recommend increasing the temperature to a cosier 21 degrees Celsius.
Regardless of the amount of heat the systems produce, heating systems generally operate day in and day out, and this prolonged use inevitably wears them down. With the cost of fuel and other commodities rising, it is wise to maintain your central heating system proactively. Here are a few easy tips for maintaining boilers, regardless of the amount of heating they are required to produce.
- Check for leaks
Heaters are prone to corrosion which eventually leads to holes and leaks. The build-up of hard minerals over time causes this. Checking the walls of your heater goes a long way. Although it’s impossible for you to find out the level of corrosion from the outside, if you detect holes early on, it will pre-empt many serious issues.
The chimney and vent are usually the most common areas where you can find broken connections and holes.
- Regularly conduct a flushing
Flushing out the boiler is one of the most effective ways of keeping your boiler in top shape. It does not require any tools; just a bucket or a hose.
It is recommended to flush out a boiler a few times a year to prevent scale and mineral build-up, which may lead to holes and leaks as mentioned above. Flushing is as easy as turning off the power supply and opening the valves on the radiators and convectors.
- Maintain the heat exchanger
Among all the parts of a boiler, the heat exchanger is often the first part to wear out. Checking the heat exchanger for holes and leaks and then replacing it when the need arises is the best way to maintain this sensitive part of a boiler.
A heat exchanger that is left unfixed can cause not just a breakdown in the system but also cause water damage.
- Protect the safety valve
The safety valve functions, as the name suggests, as a safety feature of a boiler. In times of malfunction or system failure, the safety valve releases the pressure in the system that can lead to more problems. Therefore, keeping the safety valve in the best condition is essential for maintaining the boiler functional and durable.
A visual inspection usually does the trick, but in times of uncertainty, having someone else check on the boiler is highly recommended as well.
- Consult a professional
Boilers are composed of various mechanical and electrical components; only experts should deal with these. Poorly maintained heating systems could cause, in the worst-case scenario, an explosion.
On a lighter note, a boiler that is not given proper care directly affects its efficiency and will consume more fuel and produce less heat. If your boiler has got to this point and the effects are deemed irreversible, it might be more cost-effective to purchase another boiler.
You can compare what various new boilers cost from manufacturers on websites like Boiler Quote Compare.
The importance of maintenance
Maintaining a boiler brings nothing but benefits to any household that is heavily reliant on their central heating systems.
Having a well-kept boiler ensures that every drop of fuel is used efficiently, and therefore every pound. In other words, the benefits of regular maintenance translate to savings. Maintenance is, therefore, a must for every household, not only for household safety but also to ensure optimal operation of the central heating system all year round.
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