A broken boiler in winter is bad news. Luckily, there are a few DIY boiler maintenance checks that you can do yourself before contacting a professional. In this article we will provide practical tips for maintaining your boiler to help prevent breakdowns during those colder months.
For emergency boiler breakdowns, or more extensive boiler issues like leaks, Gas Tech Heating Ltd provides a reliable local service for boiler repairs and maintenance in Hemel Hempstead.
Do Boilers Really Need Maintenance?
Yes, boilers need maintenance. To ensure that no issues occur when you need to heat your home, it is important that you keep on top of your boiler maintenance – especially in the lead up to winter.
Boilers can easily breakdown in winter, as the cold weather can put added stress onto them and this is common in boilers with prior issues. Regular maintenance checks throughout the year will ensure that your boiler is efficient and operates smoothly to prevent wasting any energy. If your boiler is still under warranty, it’s crucial you organise an annual service to maintain the warranty.
During peak usage in winter, you will want to avoid anything going wrong through proper boiler maintenance.
Basic DIY Boiler Maintenance Tips
What are some basic DIY boiler maintenance checks that you can do yourself to make sure there are no issues before winter?
Tip 1: Check the Pressure
A simple DIY boiler maintenance test is to check the pressure of your boiler. You can do so by looking at the pressure valve (this could be on a round dial or digital screen on your boiler). This will indicate how efficiently your boiler is working. A normal boiler pressure should be between 1-2 bars, no matter whether the heating is on or off.
Below 1 bar shows a loss in pressure. It may be as simple as you have just bled your radiators and released air from your central heating system causing pressure to decrease, but it could also indicate a leak in your system. Higher than 2 bars and there is too much pressure in your boiler.
In either of these instances, it is safer to call a boiler repair expert like Gas Tech Heating Ltd to ensure that your boiler pressure is spot on.
Tip 2: Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiators in the run up to winter will help your boiler to work better. By bleeding a radiator, any trapped air will be let out. If you have found that your radiators regularly take a while to heat up, or only feel hot at the bottom and not the top, they will benefit from bleeding.
To get started, turn off the heat and wait for your radiator to cool. Then, place a towel and a jug under the bleed valve. This is located at the top of either the left or right side of your radiator.
You’ll need a bleed key to release the air from your radiator. If you don’t have one already you can purchase one online or at a DIY shop. Using the key, slowly turn it anti-clockwise, here you will hear a hissing noise as air escapes but then close it when water starts to come out.
You can then check if you have been successful by turning your heating back on and checking that the radiator heats up properly. If there is still an issue, make sure to get in touch with a boiler specialist.
Tip 3: Inspect the Boiler for Leaks or Noises
A leaking boiler can lead to rusting components and even damage to the interior of your home. The excess water may be due to high pressure, which you can check on your pressure valve, but internal corrosion inside your pipes or radiators can also cause leaks.
Boilers will also regularly make noises, but loud bangs or thumps might signal an issue. These can be due to faulty pumps, heat exchangers and thermostats. So, if your boiling is leaking or making unusual noises, it is always best to call a professional such as Gas Tech Heating Ltd for boiler repairs or boiler replacements.
Tip 4: Test the Thermostat
If your thermostat is broken or faulty, it’ll impact how responsive your boiler is. You might find that there are no temperature changes, or there is a difference in the level of heat and the programmed temperature. In winter, you’ll want it as responsive as possible.
To test, it will depend on the type of thermostat you have. Smart thermostats will often have a ‘test’ functionality in their settings, and this will check for any issues for you. For older models, you can check manually by turning on the heat and seeing if your boiler responds. Otherwise, removing the thermostat cover and cleaning internally may help, as dust could be causing a malfunction. If there is no power in your thermostat at all, or you think a lack of power may be the problem, try replacing the batteries.
For professional help with your boiler repair in Hemel Hempstead don’t hesitate to contact Gas Tech Heating Ltd.
When to Call a Professional for Boiler Maintenance
Boiler service and maintenance is important, and you may decide that an annual service just before winter is the best course of action. Thorough boiler maintenance is always best completed by a professional who can identify any issues before those colder months. If you think that your gas boiler is leaking gas, get in touch with the National Gas Emergency Service straight away.
For boiler servicing, or to stop any persistent issues, Gas Tech Heating Ltd offers affordable and comprehensive boiler repairs in Hemel Hempstead and ensure that your boiler is prepped for winter.
How Much Is Boiler Maintenance in Hemel Hempstead?
So, how much is boiler maintenance? In Hemel Hempstead, pricing can start anywhere between £60 to £150 for cheaper or routine checks, but for more complex issues where parts may need ordering you can expect a higher bill. Some companies, such as Gas Tech Heating, offers a year-round monthly payment scheme to lighten the load, which is popular with clients.
Whether you are doing our simple DIY boiler maintenance checks and have solved your boiler issue, or have found a larger problem – you can always find support from a professional team like ours.
For Hemel Hempstead residents, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a quote or boiler servicing package tailored to your needs. We even help with emergency boiler breakdowns and offer a 24/7 service available.
