A boiler typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, although a well-maintained machine can last longer. Keeping your boiler well maintained helps reduce the risk of a breakdown and costly repairs. Efficient boilers in good working order also keep household bills lower while providing consistent warmth throughout your home.
From home improvement measures like installing a smart thermostat to regular checks of your central heating system by a qualified technician, you can ensure your existing boiler is performing optimally. You will also help make the most of your boiler by providing consistent heating. These six simple tips also help avoid an early end to its life due to misuse or lack of maintenance.
1. Service your boiler annually
Boilers require regular servicing to ensure they run safely and efficiently. An annual check helps keep your boiler operating smoothly while extending its lifespan. Typically, annual checks keep your boiler’s warranty valid. You also reduce the chances of a breakdown since potential issues are identified and resolved early.
An annual check of your central heating system from a Gas Safe registered engineer from LS1 Boilers will help detect problems early, even minor ones with the potential to become major issues. Checks also ensure your boiler is working as it is designed to operate and with the correct settings, which will increase the overall safety and efficiency of your system. An annual check can also determine if you need a new boiler due to persistent problems caused by your old boiler’s age and inefficiency.
2. Clean your boiler
Piles and tubes linked to a boiler can become clogged, especially with dust and other debris. This can affect performance and reduce the lifespan of your boiler. A dirty boiler and associated pipework also increase heating costs since your system is not operating efficiently.
Cleaning your boiler including the exterior housing and any connected pipes or tubes prevents dust from accumulating and entering the interior. You should avoid cleaning the interior of your boiler, which is generally cleaned by a qualified engineer during an annual check. This is another great reason to schedule regular servicing with LS1 Boilers.
3. Install a smart thermostat
Smart homes incorporate technology to improve the efficiency, comfort, and enjoyment of your home. A smart thermostat is one example of smart technology found in homes. It controls the temperature in each room using digital technology. You can even adjust heating by using your mobile device or computer when you are not home.
With the ability to set individual preferences, smart thermostats improve energy efficiency. They also give you important information on your energy use so you can make any adjustments to reduce consumption or improve efficiency. Switching to smart home heating systems including installing a smart thermostat can lead to savings on your heating bill since you can control how much energy you use.
4. Maintain heating system components
Simple home improvement and maintenance measures let you get the most of your boiler while ensuring your heating system’s components are operating correctly. This also means your boiler is working more efficiently and under less strain, helping avoid a potential breakdown.
Bleeding your radiators improves heat efficiency and reduces your heating bills by eliminating cold spots. When you bleed a radiator, you are letting out air that is trapped in your system. This trapped air creates cold spots since water is not being consistently heated in the radiator.
If you are still noticing you are not getting enough heat, there may be deposits in pipes or radiators. Flushing your system or power flushing by a qualified engineer clears out sludge, rust, and debris that has built up over time in your central heating system. Cleaning out your heating system ensures your boiler is more efficient and lasts longer.
5. Address repairs quickly
There are several signs that your boiler might need repairs. These signs should not be ignored, including odd noises coming from your system or the pilot light going out. Other warning signs include loss of pressure and leaks.
While some home improvement and maintenance projects are not urgent, any potential issue with your boiler should be addressed as soon as possible. Getting potential issues checked and resolved early ensures that your boiler will operate as intended. Acting quickly also helps extend the life of your system.
6. Avoid overworking your heating system
The lifespan of your system will shorten if you overwork your boiler, including by setting the pressure too high. You should ensure your boiler is operating with the appropriate pressure and occasionally check the pressure gauge. An increase or drop in pressure will hinder efficiency.
Your system is also designed for a specific size of property and needs. If your machine’s workload is higher than it is designed to handle, you will precipitate a breakdown. Should your needs change, you should consider upgrading a boiler rather than putting a strain on one designed for lower energy consumption, for example.
