Call our Free Phone 0800 808 5565

hands of a technician tightening nuts on a boiler.webp

How to Maintain Your Heating Boiler System in Winter

Avery Clark.jpg

by Avery Clark

2022-11-23 12:17 PM

It would be best if you did not skimp on the efficiency of your boiler heating system as winter approaches. Although it is crucial to your family's well-being, few individuals take the time to learn about boiler mechanics. You may save time, money, and stress if you understand the fundamentals of boiler maintenance. 

For this reason, Easefix has compiled some essential tips to maintain your heating boiler system, from simple fixes you can do yourself to more grave issues that require the attention of a certified gas engineer.

Frequent Boiler Inspections Are Critical

technician inspecting a boiler

Homeowners need to get routine checks of their heating boiler system. Maintaining your boiler regularly will save you money on utility bills, extend the life of your appliances, and keep your family safe. 

However, you must know what to look for to conduct an efficient boiler system inspection. Whether you want to make a quick repair yourself or have a professional take a look, you may find one or more of the following indicators that your boiler needs care.

  • Strange noises or vibrations are coming from the machinery
  • Invalid codes (these should be reported to a certified technician)
  • Pipe and vent blockage due to debris or dirt
  • Water pooling or leaking near the boiler's base

You should also check that your temperature and pressure readings are acceptable. Before settling on a strategy, it's best to double-check the little things like this.

Boiler Heating System Inspection

You can trace most boiler leaks back to problems with the heat exchanger. Inspect your heating boiler for any traces of water before starting it up or after it has cooled down. Replacing your heat exchanger is a must if you see any puddles accumulating. You'll want to get on this immediately to prevent costly water damage to your system. It also helps to keep the water's PH level within the acceptable range.

Verifying the Functionality of the Venting System

Over time, the condition of your chimney and vent connection will worsen. You should make sure that there is no leak in either of them. Check the connection between the vent and the boiler system thoroughly to ensure its continued integrity. Have a look to see whether the chimney has any cracks. By doing so, you can fix your boiler before any issues emerge.

Get Boiler Flushed

plumber flushing a boiler

Your boiler system will accumulate rust, grime, and debris as a natural byproduct of frequent use. Because of this, your system's efficiency will suffer and may even lead to serious pipe obstructions. For this reason, every homeowner must schedule routine boiler flushing.

Turn on the Bleeder Valves on Your Radiators Once a Year 

Bleeder valves and radiators are critical components of your heating boiler system. As you continue to utilize your radiators, air will become trapped inside of them. Due to this, the radiator may not be able to adequately heat the room, leaving you with a chilly home on cold winter nights. However, this air can be released by bleeding the radiators, a task that is best left to a trained expert gas engineer. We at Easefix can help you perform this once a year to maximize your home's safety.

Verify That The Flame In The Boiler Is Blue

A pure blue flame is ideal for any boiler. Flames of an unusual hue may signal a gas leak, so it's essential to have a professional take a look if you detect anything unusual.

Annual Boiler Maintenance Is Recommended

technician servicing a boiler

Boiler systems have a high initial investment, and calling in an expert is the best option if you lack the knowledge and confidence to perform all required maintenance steps. If you catch issues before they become major, you can fix them for less money. 

Although you can perform some basic things on your own, such as the ones listed above and ensuring the boiler has adequate ventilation, never try to mess with a gas appliance. There's a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, and fires. If you notice anything unusual with your heating system boiler, it's best to consult a licensed heating specialist. No matter the circumstances, every home should have its boiler tested annually by an expert. You may get help from Easefix qualified gas heating engineer for various reasons.

Conclusion

Maintenance is necessary for the boiler's efficiency and family safety. Regular maintenance of the boiler heating system at your home can save time, money, and stress. In this regard, a few suggestions have been outlined in this post. 

We have been providing quality maintenance to a wide range of businesses and facilities in Northwest, making Easefix your best choice. We have mechanical and electrical engineers available around the clock every day of the year since we believe that our client's well-being and security must always come first. 

Operating across the Northwest and beyond, we provide industry-leading maintenance in heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, refrigeration and more to every facility, from schools to stores and offices to homes.

Don't wait to contact our Gas Safe registered gas heating engineers if you want to learn more about how Easefix can ensure the safety of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What sort of maintenance does a boiler require?

The heat exchanger in the boiler has to be cleaned and inspected. Check the boiler's wiring and connections to ensure they are in good shape. Maintain an appropriate pH level in the water supply. Check the condenser, and clean and flush it if necessary.

2. When should the boiler be serviced, and how?

If you own a boiler, you should have a professional service it at least once a year.

3. What happens if you don't service the boiler regularly? 

You could endanger the lives of yourself, your family, and other occupants. You could also hasten the death of your boiler. In addition, the boiler could become less efficient, using more energy and ultimately failing.

4. To clean a boiler, what chemical is mainly used?

Among the many chemicals used for cleaning, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the most prevalent. The application of diammonium EDTA to forced-circulation boilers has become almost routine.