Boiler Maintenance

Simply put the lifespan of your boiler greatly depends on how well you treat it.

In fact, some boilers can last over twenty years when taken care of properly. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some ways in which you can give your boiler the TLC it needs in order to live a long, efficient life.

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1. Have Your Boiler Serviced Annually

Whilst a boiler service may appear to be an unnecessary expense each year, it really is an essential measure to ensure your boiler is operating safely and efficiently to increase the lifespan of your boiler.

By having your boiler serviced, any small issues can be identified and dealt with before they turn into large and more expensive problems. It’s also worth mentioning that most boiler warranties become invalid unless you can prove you have had an annual service carried out by a Gas Safe engineer.

With all our new boilers we send our free friendly reminders when your boiler service is due. If you are interested in a new boiler or getting a new boiler on finance, then do a quote today.

2. Install a Magnetic Filter

A magnetic filter is a device made of either metal or plastic that connects to the pipes in the central heating system. The magnets within the filter are powerful enough to pick up the sludge that gradually builds up within the pipes over time, preventing it from entering the boiler which can reduce its lifespan and make it inefficient.

By fitting a magnetic filter such as the ADEY MagnaClean, you could benefit from a number of results such as:

3. Use a Central Heating Inhibitor

A central heating inhibitor is a chemical compound used to prevent sludge build up from dirt, rust, limescale and other debris that forms in radiators and pipes, keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. The chemicals in the inhibitor break down these minerals before they can become sludge.

Preventing sludge and rust buildup is an essential part of prolonging your boiler’s lifespan as over time they can create blockages which prevent the water passing through properly and, if left long enough, can lead to even more damage when removal is attempted.

4. Power Flush Your System

If you have a relatively new boiler, or if you use a central heating inhibitor regularly, you likely won’t need a power flush anytime soon, however, if you have neglected your boiler over the years and a buildup of sludge has occurred, you will likely need a powerflush to shift it.

On average, a power flush should ideally be performed every five to six years to keep your boiler running well and the heating in your home efficient, however there are some signs that you can look out for that will let you know when the time has come. The following are signs that your system needs a power flush:

5. Run Your Boiler During Summer

Whilst many people feel they no longer need to use their central heating during the warmer summer months, it isn’t recommended to leave it that long without running. When boilers remain inactive for a few months, the system can become stagnant and develop blockages, leading to issues and breakdowns.

This is why you should run your boiler at least once during the summer months to prevent breakdowns which could shorten your boiler’s lifespan.

6. Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most common problems engineers encounter are frozen pipes during the colder months. Not only are frozen pipes an inconvenience but there is also a risk of your pipes bursting when they thaw due to the way in which the ice causes the pipe to expand.

Insulating your pipes is a relatively simple DIY task that involves lagging your pipes in areas such as your loft and garage. By lagging your pipes, you’re minimising heat loss and keeping out the cold, preventing the water from freezing and your pipes from bursting.

Lagging your pipes is much more affordable than having burst pipes fixed and prolonging your system’s lifespan.

7. Bleed Your Radiators

Over time, air can get into your system, causing air bubbles in your radiators which reduce the efficiency of your boiler. By bleeding your radiators when needed, you can make sure your system is running efficiently and effectively. Find out how to bleed your radiators in our helpful blog.

For more boiler tips and tricks check out the rest of our advice page or get a free, fixed quote on a brand new A-rated efficient boiler and install today.

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