Top Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Boiler
Boilers are a lot like cars.
We rely on them both on a daily basis, often taking them for granted as they work tirelessly to meet our needs. But just like cars, boilers also need maintaining. This ensures that they’re not only safe but run reliably and efficiently.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your boiler.
An MOT for your boiler
Try to think of your boiler like a car. You service it. You MOT it.
Your boiler might not take you shopping, ferry you to and from work or run the kids to school but don’t overlook its importance. It helps to keep your household running smoothly by providing all your heat and hot water. Which is no mean feat.
So, to get the best out of your boiler it will need an annual service. Think of this as a boiler MOT.
During the service, a professional will look the boiler over inside and out. This will bring any potential problems to their attention and prevent them from turning into an expensive inconvenience.
What happens during a boiler service?
During a boiler service, a professional heating engineer will:
- Undergo a visual check of your boiler.
- Open up the boiler and begin making internal checks.
- Look over the pipework and internal components
- Clean out the inside with a special hoover.
- Next, the components will be tested which involves using specialist tools to check the boiler is working efficiently.
During the boiler service, if any problems are found to be present, the heating engineer will attempt to fix them there and then.
One of the most common boiler problems in gas boilers is incorrect pressure. If the boiler isn’t operating at the correct pressure this is an easy and quick on the spot fix.
Consider a new energy efficient boiler
It’s a well-known fact that replacing an old inefficient boiler with a modern condensing boiler will help to lower your heating bills. As well as make your home more comfortable.
Take an average gas boiler installation for example. According to the Energy Saving Trust it will typically cost around £2,300 to install a brand new boiler. Which, depending on the age and efficiency of the existing boiler, could see savings of anywhere between £105 and £365*.
When it comes to a boiler replacement here’s some food for thought: ideally, you should consider replacing your boiler when it’s 10-15 years old because the older it is the less efficient it becomes.
If you do opt for a replacement boiler then it’s advisable to get a powerflush before installation. This removes sludge and build-up from the heating pipework and will improve the overall energy efficiency of your central heating system.
How to control energy usage
Installing heating controls will help to prevent heat waste because you have total control over your central heating.
Take it a step further by investing in a smart thermostat which gives you even greater flexibility to control the amount of energy you are using, even when you’re away from home.
The technology is designed to give homeowners more control as the heating can be set using a phone. You don’t even need to be at home.
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Reference
Data Source: Energy Saving Trust, Heating Your Home: Boilers (2022)
*Based on replacing an old gas boiler with a condensing A-rated boiler with thermostatic radiator valves, programmer and room thermostat in a detached home. Figures are based on fuel prices as of November 2021.