A properly maintained boiler will function well and reduce your overall energy expenses. The following tips for maintaining and caring for your boiler can help you preserve the longevity of your appliances and save cash in the long run.

1. Annual boiler service 

The easiest way to keep your boiler in tip-top condition is to have it properly cared for and maintained at least once each year. This will increase its service life, prevent damage from getting worse, and keep your boiler working efficiently. This task can be performed by a valid Gas Safe Registered Engineer who can check all components and ensure that all parts are working as they should.

A specialist will be able to check the workings of the boiler and determine which components will be receiving the most strain. Predicting and detecting small issues before they become bigger issues is the only way to avoid costly breakdowns in the future.  See here the different boiler maintenance plans available.

2. Re-pressurized Your System 

Take a moment to check the pressure gauge of your boiler when it is running in full operation. Make sure that the internal pressure of the boiler system has not exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Then it should be re-pressurized at regular intervals to make sure that the heat it provides is evenly distributed throughout the home. Work carefully to ensure that you don’t damage any of the components. It is not a difficult or complex task, but a delicate approach goes a long way in preserving the functionality of your boiler system as a whole.

3. Bleed Your Radiators 

Have you noticed that your radiators are distributing heat unevenly? This could be caused by air bubbles forming within the radiator. Follow these simple steps to bleed your radiator and resolve this small issue:

Lay down plastic sheets to avoid staining the carpets

Lace the key in the bleed valve and turn it counter-clockwise. Hold a thick cloth below to catch the water that will escape.

Air trapped within the radiator will escape with a hissing sound

After all the air has escaped and only water begins to escape, you can close the valve and soak up the water with your cloth.

Turn the key clockwise to close the bleed valve.

The radiator should now be evenly warm from top to bottom. This procedure can lower the pressure of the boiler system, so go check the pressure gauge to make sure it is within its proper levels.

If you see that after you bleed the radiator, it is still not getting hot, the issue could lie in the thermostatic radiator valve, that’s the one with temperature controls on it. Sometimes the pin stops functioning properly and prevents the water from flowing to the radiator as intended. To solve this small issue, simply remove the cap from the top of the thermostatic valve and use an adjustable spanner to move the pin back and forth. Sometimes this simple movement will be enough to get things flowing again.

Properly bleeding your radiators and keeping the thermostatic radiator valve functioning properly can be tricky to get right. If you would like some help in performing this important task, call in the professionals from My Plumber Radiator. You can skip all the things that can go wrong and have your units bled in no time.

4. Check the Ventilation 

Keep all items and storage well away from your boiler and allow plenty of ventilation around the appliance. Allowing plenty of breathing room around your boiler is essential for it to do its job properly.  If you keep your boiler housed in a box or cabinet, make sure there is easy access to the access panel — this makes maintenance much easier.

5. Balance the Radiators 

This means adjusting the amount of water that is sent to each one. This should be done in accordance with the home’s heating needs and the distance to the boiler. Often, the radiators that are furthest from the boiler will be cooler than those closer.