As the weather starts to get colder, and the winter months quickly approach, this is as good a time as any to check your boiler and heating systems. After all, what’s better than a toasty warm house when it’s cold outside? Therefore, before deciding if you require a new boiler installation in London, here are five boiler and heating checks we would urge you to do before winter arrives.
- Check your radiators
Turn on your central heating, and turn all the radiators up to their highest setting. Once the radiators have had a chance to heat up to the desired temperature, inspect each radiator one by one, looking for any cold patches or radiators that aren’t working at all.
If your radiators aren’t warm to the touch, or some are warmer than others, this can indicate a potential problem with your heating system. This can be easily fixed by requesting a power flushing service, which replaces the dirty water in your system with clean water, flushing the radiators of any debris that might have built up inside them.
- Bleed your radiators
You can also bleed your radiators, letting out any air that might be trapped inside the heating system. To do this, turn off your central heating, and turn the radiator valves anti-clockwise until you hear air being released. During this, water might escape with the air, so it can be a good idea to lay down an old towel to catch any spills.
- Check for any physical damage
Check your boiler, pipes, and radiators for any physical damage such as cracks. Evidence of leakages can also indicate that there is a crack unable to be seen by the untrained eye.
Although you might be able to fix some leaks yourself, it is always best to call in a professional if you do notice a leak. This is because cracks in your heating system can be a symptom of a larger problem necessitating professional help to fix before it gets any worse.
- Clean around your boiler
Boilers generally operate best when they are well-ventilated and clean. Therefore, it can be a good idea to clean your boiler, pipes, and radiators, keeping them free of any dirt and debris. Have a good declutter, making sure to give your boiler room to breathe. This will help your boiler to work efficiently all through the winter.
Keeping the area around your heating systems clean and clear can also minimise potential safety risks. The build-up of flammable material around a hot boiler can ultimately present a fire risk if left unattended, especially when the boiler is operating more frequently, such as over the winter months.
- Check for any warning lights
Check to see if there are any warning lights showing on your boiler systems. Lights on your boiler may be warning you of carbon monoxide. If left untreated, problems with carbon monoxide can be catastrophic. This gas is odourless and can even be fatal. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to contact a professional as soon as you see an illuminated warning light on your boiler.
So, before the weather gets any colder, make sure to undertake these checks to ensure your boiler and heating system are in tip top shape. They’re just a few small steps that could go a long way to making you feel more comfortable and safer in the months ahead.
