Boilers are something that we cannot live without and help us heat our water and homes. However, they are similar to any mechanical system as they must be maintained in order to work safely and efficiently. Not maintaining a boiler may result in increased energy bills, its breakdown and even the release of deadly carbon monoxide. In this article by Proptino Manager, we are going to examine why boiler maintenance is essential, what it requires and how frequently it ought to be conducted to make your system long-lasting and more efficient.
Benefits of Regular Boiler Maintenance
The maintenance of a regular boiler can increase the performance of the boiler, minimise the expenses of energy bills, and eliminate unexpected breakdowns. The important advantages are as follows.
Improve Energy Efficiency
An efficiently operated boiler uses less fuel to cover the amount of heat. Cleaning and inspection maintain the system at a great level and also save electricity.
Extend Boiler Lifespan
Regular maintenance of the boiler will enable the rectification of small problems before they get serious. This check-up can extend the life of your boiler by a number of years.
Ensure the Safety
Non-maintained boilers may result in gas leakages or carbon monoxide exhausts. Dangerous malfunctions can be prevented by annual inspections.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Early problem catching is less expensive. Minor problems such as pressure problems or unusual noises can be repaired easily before their malfunctions lead to a total collapse of the system.
Which Factors Involved in Boiler Maintenance Checking
There are various factors that are involved in the checking of the boiler, and keeping all these factors helps to keep monitoring your boiler maintenance.
- Check the boiler and all the pipework to ensure that there are no signs of water leakage or rusting to avoid any system damage in the future.
- Wipe off dust, soot or scale from the burner, fan and heat exchanger parts of the boiler. This will optimise the functionality and save it from any malfunctions.
- Do some measurements of gas pressure to ensure that it aligns with the manufacturer’s recommended levels of safety.
- Measure the thermostat to make sure that it is sensing room temperature and regulating the appliance properly.
- Inspect the ventilation apertures to ensure any obstruction is not present and combustion fumes are effectively vented.
- Checking the heat exchanger and burners for cracks, dirt accumulation, or damage is another way of ensuring constant heating and avoiding danger.
How Often a Boiler Maintenance Should Be Done
Normally, this thing depends on the usage and the place where it fits in, well in general, annual boiler services are significant; it is mostly recommended to do it before winter because, at this time, we need the heating system, and in case you are a landlord, then inform the tenant before doing the heating system inspection and maintenance.
Signs that the boiler needs servicing
Here are the red flags which a user should be concerned about when they see them:
- Weird sounds, such as banging or whistling
- The Pilot light keeps blowing out
- Less water flow
- Heated Radiators not working
- Bad odour or smoke
Things You Can Do on Your Own
Here are the common malfunctions which normally occur in the boiler, and by knowing them, you can treat them also. But getting help from a professional is a safe way to deal with it.
Check Boiler Pressure
Inspect the pressure of the heating system. The normal range would be 1.0-1.5 bar, and if the pressure is too low, that means there would be poor heating performance, and if the pressure is too high, this would create the chances of risk damage. You can follow the manual in which there must be some recommendation for it. But getting the services of a certified person will be preferable.
Bleed Radiators
You can remove the trapped air from the radiator to ensure equal heating and turn out the radiator key slightly until the air flies out and close it when you see water dripping. You should do it every 2-3 months.
Check Flame Colour.
Checking the flame colour happens only in gas boilers, and you need to check it out on a monthly basis. Further, a yellow or orange flame on the heating system indicates serious issues. We have to get professional services for this as soon as possible. On the other hand, strong blue is preferable to light.
Conclusion
Safety and energy efficiency require the maintenance of boilers. Minor tests such as inspection of the pressure and radiator bleeding will assist in avoiding serious problems. Being attentive to the signs of danger can prevent expensive repairs. To maintain your house being warm and your boiler fit and healthy, follow the maintenance habit. Visit Proptino Manager for more queries.
What is the price of boiler maintenance?
Prices are between $80 to $150 (or around 70 to 120 in the UK), depending on where you live in the US and what type of boiler you have.
Is boiler maintenance something that I can carry out myself?
Simple testing, such as pressure tests or bleeding radiators, can be accepted, but the whole servicing should be done by a qualified person.
What is the effect of not maintaining the boiler?
Failure to carry out maintenance puts at risk breakdowns, increased energy bills, and even serious gas leaks that can be very dangerous and hazardous.
At what time should a boiler be serviced?
The best time is late summer through early fall when your heating system is not needed so that it is ready in winter.