I'm sure most of us can think of ways we'd rather spend our cash than on boiler servicing, but unfortunately it's a necessary evil. Professionals recommend you book your boiler in for a service every 12 months, and if you're a landlord this is a legal requirement for every property you let out. But what can you do in between servicing to ensure your boiler is as safe and efficient as possible?
1. Get a carbon monoxide alarm
You wouldn't even consider not having a smoke alarm in your home, so why do so many people neglect to think about carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, which is toxic to humans and animals. It causes death by asphyxiation, which is preceded by headaches, vomiting, vertigo and flu-like symptoms. Low level exposure over a longer period can lead to depression, confusion and memory loss.
However, it's cheap and easy to protect your family and tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning by purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm for as little as 15 pounds. Not only does this give you a vital early warning of leaks from your boiler, but it also gives you peace of mind in between boiler servicing.
2. Put your heating on, even if you don't need it
It sounds counterproductive, but actually putting your heating on for 10 minutes, once a month over the summer and for a few hours each day over the winter (even if you're not there) can help to prevent costly problems. Months of inactivity for your boiler can lead to moving parts seizing up and pumps being clogged with grit, while chilly temperatures can cause water to freeze in your pipes, which in turn causes the water to expand and crack the pipes.
3. If your boiler is old, replace it
You often hear the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", and while sometimes this may be good advice, it doesn't apply to boiler servicing. An old boiler (more than 10-15 years old) will cost you more in the long run, not just for repairs, but also in energy bills. New boilers, especially those with an "A" efficiency rating or higher, can save you as much as 40% on your annual heating bill. According to the Energy Saving Trust, boilers account for 60% of all domestic CO2 emissions, which means that replacing yours also improves your green credentials.
4. Keep it clean
You wouldn't expect your dishwasher or washing machine to run efficiently without the occasional clean, and your boiler is no different. Dust and dirt can all make a difference to the efficiency of your boiler, so make sure to give it a wipe down and a once over with the duster between each boiler servicing.
5. Check the pressure gauge
If you've got an older boiler, you may have several gauges, while newer versions will probably only have one. You want to look for the water pressure gauge, which should measure somewhere between 12 and 15 pounds of pressure. If the gauge is over the 30 pounds mark, turn off the boiler and call an engineer immediately. This level of pressure can indicate damage to your boiler and in some cases even be dangerous.
Author Resource:-
Aspect Maintenance are a London based heating and property maintenance company, who offer boiler servicing, installation and repair.
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