As the UK braces for a cold snap, households planning to switch on their heating this week are being urged to carry out some essential checks before adjusting the thermostat.
The summer weather is now a distant memory with temperatures expected to drop as low as 4C overnight in some parts of the country.
This has led many to consider firing up the central heating system. However, after a long summer hiatus, there are several key checks that need to be made, reports the Express.
Firstly, it's crucial to ensure your boiler has been serviced within the last year. Neglecting this not only risks invalidating the warranty but also jeopardises the efficiency and functionality of the boiler during the chilly winter months.
An inefficient boiler can also lead to increased costs due to wasted energy.
In addition to this, households are advised to bleed their radiators prior to using the central heating. This simple yet vital task enhances the health and efficiency of your central heating system.
By releasing any trapped air from your radiator, water can circulate freely, ensuring the radiators are hotter and more effective when the heating is switched back on.
You'll need an allen key or radiator key to bleed your radiators, and if you don't have one, they're available for about £1 at most DIY shops.
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Andy Kerr, the founder and CEO of BOXT, advised, "As a general rule, your boiler should be serviced every 12 months from the day it was installed, even if you don't see any warning signs that call for immediate action. The service is not just about keeping your boiler in top condition, but also to ensure that the manufacturer's warranty for your boiler stays valid."
He further recommended, "Whilst it may be easier to ignore your boiler during the summer months, it's actually the perfect time to get it serviced. This is the time of the year when you're using it the least, meaning that you can find out if any issues need to be addressed before the cold weather sets in."
He continued by urging homeowners to bleed their radiators and turn up their radiator valves.
"It is recommended that you fully open your thermostatic radiator valves (TRV's) during the summer months, by turning them to the highest number. If left shut for too long, they can become stuck. This means that when you try to open the valve in winter months, they may not open fully and you will likely find your radiators to be cold.
"While you may not be using your boiler as regularly during the summer months, it is still important to keep on top of your boiler pressure. If your boiler pressure is too high, internal leaks are much more common. But if the air pressure is too low, issues such as water and radiators not being hot enough can arise.
"It's important to have your boiler serviced every 12 months to keep your boiler healthy. However, if it has been less than 12 months since your last service and your boiler is making strange noises, your bills are rising or it isn't heating up properly, it is essential that you book in for a service straight away.
"Boiler servicing typically includes a professional inspection and maintenance of your boiler system. A Gas Safe registered engineer carries this out and it involves cleaning, safety checks and ensuring all components work efficiently."
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