Your boiler is the heart of your home’s heating and hot water, so regular maintenance is key to keeping it running efficiently and reliably all year round. As plumbing and heating engineers working across Manchester, we see the difference it makes.
Here are the basic boiler maintenance tasks every homeowner should know about.
Bleed your radiators
Over time, air can get trapped in your radiators, causing cold spots and making your heating less efficient. Bleeding them is a simple DIY job: open the bleed valve at the top of each radiator to let the trapped air out. Do this at the start of the heating season.
Check the pressure
Your boiler needs the right water pressure to work safely and properly. Check the pressure gauge regularly and top the system up if it drops below the recommended level, which is typically between 1 and 2 bar. Don’t let the pressure get too high, as this can damage the system.
Keep the filter clean
Many heating systems have a filter that catches debris and sludge. Over time it can clog up, reducing the flow of water and making your heating less efficient. Check your boiler’s manual for how to access and clean it, or ask your engineer to look at it.
Book an annual service
We recommend having your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least once a year. A service checks that your boiler is working safely and efficiently, and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need your heating most. If your boiler hasn’t been serviced in years, or keeps developing faults, our Strip Down Service is a deeper clean of its internals.
Think about replacing an older boiler
If your boiler is more than 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider a newer, more efficient model. Modern condensing boilers can be up to 95% efficient, compared with older non-condensing models that may only be 70 to 80% efficient. Replacing an old boiler can mean real energy savings and lower heating bills.
Staying on top of these simple tasks helps your heating system last longer and keeps your home warm and cosy all winter. If you have any questions or need help with your boiler, get in touch.
