A Homeowner’s Boiler Maintenance Checklist

In the colder months, we have our boilers to thank for keeping our homes warm and comfortable, but we can’t expect them to stay reliable if we don’t do our due diligence as homeowners. All appliances require some degree of maintenance to stay efficient, avoid major breakdowns, and generally remain in good condition. Your boilers are no exception to this, so we’ve prepared a list of basic maintenance tips to ensure you never have to worry about boiler failure in the winter.

Invest in annual professional services

Even if your boilers appear to be working fine, there could be growing faults that only a trained professional can see. Having technicians inspect your boiler at least once a year can resolve small issues before they become bigger problems. The price of regular maintenance is small compared to major repairs or replacing the boiler itself. Hire the services of a reputable boiler repair Liverpool company for maintenance, repairs, replacements, and other services designed to keep your boiler in great shape.

Turn the boiler on now and then

It may sound like a waste of electricity but turning your boiler on for 10 minutes at least once a month can help keep parts moving correctly and clear the pump from any sediment that settles when the boiler isn’t being used.

Bleed the radiators

If your heating is on but you notice cold spots around the house, check the nearest radiator. If it’s cold to the touch, it means there might be air trapped inside. This can easily be resolved by bleeding the radiators. Other signs that you may need to bleed the radiators are mould, damp patches on the wall, or rattling noises from the radiator. To bleed your radiator, turn off the heating and wait for the radiators to be cool to the touch before proceeding. Place a cloth underneath the radiator bleed valve to catch any water, then open the valve to release the trapped air. Do this slowly to avoid water gushing out. Once all the air is released, close the valve. Do this for every radiator in the house that needs bleeding. Check your radiators every time you open the heating to ensure there are no blockages.

Check the flame

Your boiler flame should be blue in colour. Orange or yellow flames indicate that the fuel isn’t being burned efficiently and your boiler may be leaking dangerous gases as a result. Immediately turn the boiler off and call a technician.

Insulate pipes

Extreme winters may cause the boiler’s external condensate pipe to freeze, which results in a blockage that will prevent your boiler from doing its job. To prevent this, insulate the pipes with foam, towels, or other insulation material. It may also help to increase the boiler temperature to prevent condensation build-up.

Taking care of your home’s heating system is key to a cosy home during the winter. While some boiler maintenance tasks are easy, nothing beats having a technician do the work for you. You can guarantee that they know exactly what they’re doing and can resolve any issues quickly.

Richard Buckley