Your boiler is one of the most important things in your home, especially during the winter months when it’s needed the most. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re prepared for the coldest season of the year by taking a few simple steps to keep your boiler performing well. At Tim Reynolds we understand boilers better than most, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help you get your boiler ready for winter.
Boiler pressure check
It should be quite simple to check your boiler yourself, thanks to the pressure gauge featured on many modern boilers. This gauge shows a green area where your boiler pressure should be, usually between 1 and 1.5 bars. If your boiler is higher than this, you need to reduce the pressure, which can often be done through bleeding your radiators. If it’s lower, your boiler probably needs repressurising, which you can do using the filling loop on your boiler. If, however, the pressure fluctuates and is too high or low despite the above efforts, you should get it investigated by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Bleeding your radiators
If your radiators aren’t giving out much heat, it could be because they need bleeding. Air trapped in your radiators can stop the heat circulating properly, as well as causing your boiler pressure to rise. You can bleed your radiators through a radiator key, and after the procedure you should notice a marked difference in how well they heat up. Bleeding your radiators can also help your central heating system work more efficiently and therefore save you money on your bill.
Gas boiler servicing
One of the simplest and best things you can do to prepare your boiler for winter is to have it serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This involves a complete check of all major parts of your boiler, and the cleaning and removing of any dust or debris inside. By having your boiler serviced before winter, you can deal with any niggly, minor issues that are found, as well as help it work more effectively thanks to the clean and inspection.
Consider your pipes
A common problem for many homes in winter are frozen pipes, which stop your boiler from sending hot water around them to heat your home. To avoid this, you can get your pipes insulated, or ensure your heating is kept on in winter on a lower temperature even when out, to stop the pipes being dormant and risk freezing.
We can help homes throughout Dorset prepare for winter
At Tim Reynolds, we serve customers across Verwood, Alderholt, Hampshire, Ringwood, West Moors, Ferndown, Ashley Heath, Fordingbridge, Bournemouth and Poole, and would be pleased to help with your boiler-related query. To get in touch, you can call us on 01202 802281, use our email address at tim@timreynolds.co.uk, or use the contact form on our website.
