Here at Boiler Cover Experts, we know that keeping warm and cosy during the cold winter months is essential for our customers. When Jack Frost comes to play, the last thing anyone wants is ice-cold radiators and freezing showers.
We have created an easy guide to ensure your boiler is working efficiently, cutting your energy bills, and making sure your home stays toasty-warm this winter. Follow the steps below to make sure your boiler is in tip-top condition.
Get a Boiler Service
The most important thing you can do to prepare your boiler for winter is to get an annual boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer, ideally in the summer.
A boiler service ensures your boiler is working safely and efficiently. An expert engineer will be able to prevent a more serious problem from occurring in the future, such as a carbon monoxide leak. However, if any issues occur before your service is due, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with an accredited Gas Safe company such as Boiler Cover Experts. It’s also worth noting that with most boiler manufacturers, an annual service is required to maintain your boiler’s warranty.
Check Your Radiators
Once you know your boiler is working correctly, the next step is to take a look at your radiators. Turn your heating up to full and check that each radiator can reach its maximum temperature.
Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiators is an easy way to make sure your radiators are working efficiently, saving you money in the long run. Turn your heating on and see if the top of the radiator is just as hot as the bottom of the radiator. If the temperature isn’t consistent across the radiator, this indicates trapped air, which means that your radiator needs bleeding. For more information on how to bleed a radiator, check out our guide: How To Bleed Your Radiators
Check Your Boiler Pressure
Most boiler systems have a boiler pressure gauge, which indicates if the pressure is high or low. Optimal pressure is generally between 1 and 1.5.
Low boiler pressure
Loss of pressure may negatively affect the hot water moving around your central heating system and lessen the efficiency of your boiler. Loss of pressure is usually caused by water escaping from the system, indicating that the expansion vessel needs to be re-pressurised.
Check your boiler manufacturer’s installation guide to ensure it is safe to re-pressurise the system.
How to re-pressurise your boiler using a filling key:
- Switch off your boiler and let it cool off for 4-6 hours
- You can find the filling key in the tray underneath your boiler
- Insert your filling key into the key manifold keyhole, next to the square manifold nut
- Turn the key approximately 45 degrees anticlockwise to unlock the manifold
- The hand on your boiler’s pressure gauge will move as the pressure increases. Turn the key 45 degrees clockwise once the hand reaches 1.5
- If the pressure increases too much, simply turn the radiator’s release knob to lower the pressure
- Remove the filling key and return it to the tray underneath the boiler
How to re-pressurise your boiler using a filling loop:
- Switch off your boiler and let it cool down for 4-6 hours
- Once the boiler has cooled down, check the filling loop hoses do not need tightening
- Using the tap handles or a screwdriver, unlock the filling valves and turn the valve counterclockwise. You should hear water flowing.
- Lock the valves once the pressure reaches 1
- Once the pressure has settled at 1 or 1.5, turn your boiler back on
High boiler pressure
You can lower the pressure of your boiler by bleeding the radiators.
Seek the advice of a qualified engineer if you’re unsure.
Check and Insulate Your Pipes
Still, water in your pipes can freeze during the colder months, potentially causing your pipes to burst. Your boiler may even stop functioning all together if your condensate pipe outside freezes over. To resolve this issue, you can pour hot (not boiling) water over the pipe to defrost it. To prevent this from happening, you can insulate your pipes. Alternatively, you can keep the heating on at a low temperature to prevent the water from freezing.
Get/Check Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. CO is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal if you’re exposed to it for too long. Installing a CO alarm is a great way to detect a CO leak before anyone is harmed. If you already own a carbon monoxide alarm, you can check that it’s working by pressing the test button.
Once you’ve completed the steps above, your boiler should be in excellent condition, ready for the winter!
DOES YOUR BOILER NEED A SERVICE?
We can help!
We have a range of cover plans to suit all budgets and requirements and all plans have a FREE boiler service as standard.
Contact our friendly team to see how we can help you keep your boiler running correctly and efficiently.
