Thursday, 18 May 2023

Your central heating boiler is a crucial component of your home's heating system. It ensures your space stays warm and comfortable during the cold months. However, like any other mechanical device, boilers require regular maintenance to function optimally. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of regular boiler servicing, with a focus on energy efficiency and cost savings. By understanding the importance of boiler maintenance, you can ensure your system operates efficiently and enjoy the associated financial benefits. 

Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of regular boiler servicing is enhanced energy efficiency. Over time, boilers can accumulate dust, debris, and sediment, which can hinder their performance. Additionally, parts may become worn or damaged, leading to decreased efficiency. During a professional service, a qualified technician will clean the boiler, inspect all components, and ensure they are in proper working order. This thorough maintenance allows your boiler to operate at its peak efficiency, minimizing energy wastage. 


Reduced Energy Bills

With improved energy efficiency comes reduced energy bills. When your boiler is well-maintained, it requires less energy to generate the same amount of heat. This means it will consume less fuel or electricity, resulting in lower monthly energy expenses. Regular servicing can identify and rectify any issues that may cause energy inefficiencies, such as leaks, faulty thermostats, or clogged pipes. By addressing these problems promptly, you can keep your energy bills in check and save money in the long run. 

Enhanced System Lifespan

Boilers are significant investments, and you want them to last as long as possible. Regular servicing plays a vital role in prolonging your boiler's lifespan. During maintenance, technicians can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. They can also perform preventive measures, such as cleaning or replacing parts prone to wear and tear. By ensuring your boiler receives regular professional attention, you can extend its operational life and delay the need for costly replacements. 

Improved Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to boilers, as they involve the use of combustible fuels and high temperatures. Regular servicing helps identify any potential safety hazards, such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, or faulty ventilation systems. Technicians can conduct thorough inspections, test safety features, and ensure your boiler operates within the recommended safety standards. By addressing safety issues promptly, you protect yourself, your family, and your property from potential harm. 

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your boiler has been regularly serviced brings peace of mind. You can rest assured that your heating system is in good working order, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the colder months. Regular maintenance also ensures that your boiler is less likely to malfunction, leaving you without heat when you need it most. With the confidence that comes from proper maintenance, you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free home environment. 

Conclusion

Regular boiler servicing offers numerous benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced energy bills, an extended system lifespan, enhanced safety, and peace of mind. By investing in professional maintenance, you can optimize the performance of your boiler, save money on energy expenses, and enjoy a reliable and efficient heating system for years to come. Don't overlook the importance of regular servicing – it's a small investment that yields significant long-term rewards. Remember, it's always recommended to consult with a qualified boiler engineer London or boiler service provider to ensure your boiler receives the necessary maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines and local regulations.

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Your central heating system will experience problems over time as dirt builds up in it. Though many people think of buying a new boiler when it starts showing weird signs, it is not always required. The article below will tell you about two cleaning processes- power flush and chemical flush, the difference between them and which one is better. 

Power flush

Rust and debris get collected in the heat exchanger due to corrosion, which leads to various issues. In addition, the formation of scale prevents the free flow of water in the heat exchanger, leading to loud sounds from the boiler. A power flush helps remove the debris, sludge and dirt from the pipes of the exchanger. It can resolve various issues in the boiler and save you from buying a new boiler unnecessarily. In power flush, hot water and a combination of chemicals are flushed into the exchanger to remove debris. So, it can help you keep your boiler in good condition in the long term. According to experts, a power flush must be performed every six or seven years. 

Cost of a power flush

The price of power flush depends upon several factors, such as the size of the radiator and several other factors. If you live in a big house with lots of rooms, you may need to pay more because engineers have to flush the chemicals at a much greater rate. And, also if the power flushing engineer in London finds some other problems with the boiler that needs repair, you may need to pay additional money. But it will still be less than buying a new central heating system for your home and office. 


Chemical flush

Unlike power flush, which uses high pressure for cleaning, chemical flush relies on gravity to collect debris from the boiler and then refill the clean water in the radiator. It uses a mixture of chemicals to remove dirt, sludge and debris from the system. Like power flush, chemical flush take off sludge that blocks the pipes and improves the system operation.

Cost of chemical flush

Just like power flush, chemical flush price depends upon the size of the central heating system. And chemical flush can be performed every year or two to ensure the boiler is functioning properly.

Which is better? 

As discussed before, power flushes clear out sludge from the heating system through high pressure and sometimes high temperature. Therefore it is best to use power flush when your system has become really dirty or showing the below symptoms:
  • Constantly leaking. 
  • Producing excessive noise. 
  • Working inefficiently. 
  • Taking time to heat up. 
On the other hand, if the system is not too dirty, go for a chemical flush. It is generally performed in new boilers systems where power flush is not required. You can consider it as a system maintenance program to ensure the system keeps running smoothly. So whether you should choose a power flush or a chemical flush depends on your heating system needs.

Thursday, 1 September 2022

A central heating system is a big investment and it's important that you make sure that you get the most out of it. One of the biggest things you can do to help your system is power flush it regularly. This will make sure that all the waste products in your radiators are flushed out and replaced with fresh new water, meaning they're working at their best! 

Your system is noisy - If you can hear your boiler running or the pump, it may be time for a Powerflush. If you can hear the expansion vessel running, it’s likely that the system is clogged up with sediment and needs a Powerflush. 

Your boiler keeps turning itself off - If your boiler keeps turning itself off, the most common reason is that there's dirty water in the system. Dirty pipes can cause an electrical short and cause it to turn itself off. This is dangerous because if you don't know what's going on with your central heating system, it could be deadly! If this happens to you, call a professional immediately so they can powerflush your entire heating system. 

The system has become sluggish - It takes longer than usual to heat up- If your system takes longer than usual to heat up, it could be a sign that it needs a powerflush. You should get one if you notice any of these symptoms: 
  • Your boiler is making strange noises or smells like something's burning 
  • You're getting a lot of condensation on windows, walls and ceilings (more than normal) 

You can see rusty water in the radiator- If you see rusty water in the radiator, it's a sign that your heating system is sediment building up. Sediment is a residue of plant and animal matter that collects on the inside of pipes, radiators, and other parts of your central heating system.


Sediment can reduce the efficiency of your system as it clogs up vital parts like valves and filters which then cause problems with your house or business. 

You should get Powerflush if: 
  • You've seen rusty water in the radiator; 
  • You have black deposits on all surfaces within 200mm (8 inches) around radiators; 
  • There's visible mould growing inside pipes or under taps where no water comes out at all 

You should powerflush if any of these things happen 

If you are in the market for a new central heating system and looking for ways to keep your old one running well, then powerflushing is an important part of the process. 

Powerflushing can help ensure that your system continues working as efficiently as possible by removing any dirt or debris from inside its pipes and systems. This will help prevent clogs and other issues that could lead to more serious problems down the line. 

Conclusion 

It’s important to note that powerflush will only work if your system has been properly installed and maintained. If you have any doubts about what needs to be done, please contact an expert for Power Flushing London - LJB Heating and Plumbing!

Wednesday, 13 April 2022

You can find boilers in approximately every commercial building, hospital, cleaning facility and numerous offices across London. This equipment plays a significant role in our life as it satiates our hot water needs. Regular boiler maintenance will help you identify minor problems that can become serious if not treated in time. Make an appointment with a professional boiler engineer in London if you notice any of the following warning signs.

boiler warning signs - LJB Heating & Plumbing
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 1. Water leakage

Water leakage leads to rust or corrosion, which can severally damage the boiler. You might notice water leakage on the floor, or a hidden leakage might result in rusting of the your boiler pipes. Early detection can help you save money, time and headaches later on.

Leakages result in many harmful effects such as overheating, pressure fluctuations and many more. Sometimes it causes rusting in relief value and makes it inoperable, which is a significant safety risk. 

2. Weird noises

While it is common to hear sounds of motor and pump, some strange noises could indicate a vital problem.

These might occur due to the accumulation of iron or sediments in the water tank. It also makes noises when the boiler need service.

If the boiler’s oil burner is making loud bangs when started, you should have it inspected immediately as this could lead to an explosion.

3. Pilot light going out

If you notice inconsistencies with your pilot light or yellow flame instead of a blue flame- it’s a clear indication that your boiler is dangerous. It generally happens when there is too much gas inside the boiler. There has two main results of this:-

1. As yellow flames can’t burn as hot as blue falses. It will not sufficiently heat the thermocouple and shut down the gas supply to the boiler.

2. It can also release carbon monoxide into the air. Carbon monoxide poisoning results in:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Breathlessness

4. Boiler shut down 

A clogged filter or a blocked air supply could be the reason behind the boiler stoppage. Boiler failure due to insufficient air can result in danger. Many times a loose electrical connection, thermostat failure trigger this problem. You must take the help of a professional boiler engineer in London to inspect the issue as soon as possible. 

5. Metallic Odor and carbon monoxide

Fuel leaks sometimes result in metallic smells. It is essential to resolve this problem as the boiler can catch fire. This smell could also indicate a possible carbon monoxide leakage. 

If it smells like sulfur, your boiler may need a new anode. A bacteria that grows on magnesium and aluminium leads to this odour.

Moreover, if the carbon monoxide detector sounds its alarm, get all the gas and oil equipment checked as soon as possible. 

At last, we hope the above signs will help you catch dangerous boiler problems- at an early stage. Even though you don’t notice any above signs still, you need to have your boiler examined at least once a year.