How to Extend the Life of Your Gas Boiler in Chilly Winters

The majority of householders in the UK rely on a gas boiler to heat their homes during winter. But what happens if it doesn’t work properly or stops working in the cold weather? Fortunately, we have some great tips that will keep you warm and safe and increase the lifespan of your boiler.

boiler installation in london

1. Service your boiler annually

One of the easiest and simplest ways to take care of your boiler is to get it serviced once a year. A boiler engineer in london will inspect the boiler for any issues and ensure your boiler runs properly, irrespective of the season. An annual service ensures that your boiler works efficiently, and it will also help you protect your warranty. Many boilers come with a generous warranty of 12 years, so by booking their service, you can help protect it.

 

2. Use the boiler during summertime

Switch on the boiler periodically during the summer months to help keep its parts moving. Switching it on for 10-15 minutes in summer will help prevent issues that arise due to dirt, rust, limescale and debris build-up in the boiler pipes and radiators, causing blockages and potential breakdowns.

 

3. Power flush the radiators

If your heating system efficiency has decreased over the years, sludge has likely built up in your system. A power flush can help you clean the sludge from the system and increase its lifespan. A power flush is a technique in which the central heating system is deep cleaned by a power flushing machine. Professionals recommend power flushing every six to five years. However, the following signs indicate that your system needs a power flush.

 

· Continuous bleeding in the radiator.

 · Frequent issues in the system.

 · Takes a long time to heat.

 · Loud noise from the radiator.

 

4. A boiler is not only for winters

Most people think that the boiler breaks down during winter, but the truth is that it is noticeable during cold weather. So, whether you see snow or a bright sun outside your home, it's critical to think about your boiler's health. Getting it checked by a professional can help you know about its issues, such as bleeding in the radiator in advance and maximise its lifespan. Professionals who have experience with boiler installation in london are well equipped to provide boiler service and assistance, so you can take their help to keep your boiler in good condition.

 

5. Insulating/lagging the pipes

Water in the outdoor pipes is always at the risk of freezing during winter, which leads to boiler breakdown. This is one of the most common reasons behind boiler breakdowns in winter. You can bring pipe lagging or insulation to protect them from freezing and save your hard-earned money on expensive boiler breakdowns. 

 

The conclusion

Your boiler will reward you with reduced energy bills, fewer breakdowns, good efficiency, and ultimately enhanced lifespan if you follow the above recommendations and maintenance practices. The above points will help you save money and ensure that your boiler remains functional for years to come.

The Benefits of Regular Boiler Servicing: Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

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.

Power Flush vs Chemical Flush: Which one is Best for your Heating System?

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.

When should you get a central heating system Powerflush?

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!