5 Boiler Checks to Make Before Winter Arrives

There’s nothing more inconvenient than experiencing a boiler breakdown in the depths of an icy UK winter. Not only are boiler installers much busier during the colder months, but you can also expect to pay a higher price for repair and installation fees.

So, what’s the solution?

This article guides you through five essential boiler checks you can make to ensure your boiler is in good working condition before the temperatures begin to drop.

Check Your Boiler Pressure

If your boiler pressure is too high, it can cause issues with your central heating system. If your pressure is too low, you may leak. So what should your pressure be?

Vaillant says your boiler pressure should be between 1 and 2 bars when turned on. The pressure rises when the boiler provides heating and hot water, but it should never rise above 3 bars.

Check with your manufacturer and read your boiler manual to understand the recommended pressure for your particular make and model.

Test Your Pressure Gauge

Most modern conventional boilers come with an easy-to-read pressure gauge. If your gauge isn’t working properly, it could result in inaccurate or no readings.

Test your pressure gauge by following these steps:

• Turn your boiler off
• Inspect your pressure gauge
• Determine the expected readings and compare
• Use a multimeter to test your gauge

You could fix your gauge using spare parts or call a professional.

Perform a Leak Test

Leaking boilers can lead to all sorts of problems, so perform a leak test by:

• Getting a plumber to isolate your boiler for 24 hours
• Monitoring the pressure gauge

You probably have a leak if the gauge shows pressure loss during this time.

If you suspect your gas boiler is leaking gas, turn it off and call a gas-safe engineer immediately.

Bleed Your Radiators

Does your current heating system include radiators? If so, you should bleed them at least once a year to ensure their longevity.

Start by turning your heating off and wait for it to cool down. Next, turn the bleed screw anti-clockwise by about a quarter of a turn. You should hear a hissing sound, and water will come out. Now, you can close the valve and repeat the process for all radiators on your property.

Get a Service

Did you know that most industry experts recommend that your boiler undergoes a professional assessment at least once a year? This ensures that it:

• It has a high-efficiency rate
• Meets your hot water requirements
• Offers you the highest-quality output options
• Is in safe working condition

Boiler engineers can also advise whether you require repairs or need a new boiler installed and help you choose the right one.

Final Thoughts

If your boiler is not up to scratch, consider buying a new one from a trustworthy brand like Vaillant. Vaillant boilers have hundreds of positive reviews from customers around the world and are praised for their efficiency.

Vaillant boilers are known for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and wide range of options, including combi boilers, system boilers, and regular boilers.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in a boiler installation. With plenty of different models available, a modern boiler suits your specific needs.