04th December, 2023
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Last updated: 2nd January, 2023
GuidesAs the temperature starts to drop and winter approaches, now is the time to ensure your home is prepared for the colder months.
One of the most important things to think about is your heating system. Is your boiler functioning effectively and efficiently?
Is the pressure correct? Have you bled your radiators? In this guide, we’ll be explaining how you can ensure your combi boiler and heating system is ready for winter.
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Giving your boiler a quick run to test that it is working properly can ensure any issues are spotted early on and can be repaired before they become a more serious, and costly, problem.
It’s worth noting that now is the time to test your boiler as engineers tend to be fully booked all throughout winter, so if any problems do arise, you’ll want to get them sorted soon instead of being stuck without heating and hot water when you need them most.
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Set your thermostat to a temperature a few degrees above the current temperature in your home- 22ºC for example. Wait for the boiler to fire up. After 5-10 minutes, feel the tops and bottoms of your radiators to make sure they have warmed up evenly.
Things to look out for:
- If you notice any cold spots on your radiators, you may need to bleed them. Find out how to bleed your radiators here.
- Check for any unfamiliar stains or smells on/around your boiler and make sure the pilot light is blue. If you notice any unusual stains or smells, a yellow flame, or a flame that frequently blows out, this may be a sign of carbon monoxide leak. This can be fatal and must be addressed as soon as possible by calling the Gas Emergency Line immediately on 0800 111 999.
- Make sure your boiler pressure is correct as a boiler with less pressure is less efficient and a boiler with pressure too high can break down. It’s quick and easy to top up or lower your pressure and most manufacturer’s manuals have instructions on how to do this for your individual boiler model.
- Check your pipes. Walk around your home and check for any leaks where your pipes are. If you notice a leak, make sure to call out a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also it may be prudent to check for a frozen condensate pipe. Many modern boilers are equipped with built in anti-frost protection but if not, having your pipes insulated by a qualified engineer could save you money this winter.
- Check the thermostat. A faulty thermostat could be providing incorrect readings or failing to signal the boiler, causing inefficient and frivolous temperature regulation. Alternatively a smart thermostat may be having trouble making or maintaining a remote connection to your boiler, rendering the functionality impaired.
The very best way to ensure your boiler is working properly and prepared for winter is to get it serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This also makes sure your boiler is running as efficiently as possible, helping to keep your heating bills low. Not to mention, most boiler warranties require that you get your boiler serviced annually, otherwise it may become void.
An engineer can also detect any small issues early on and fix them before they become more serious.
If your boiler is over 15 years old and you have noticed your energy bills rapidly increasing, it may be time to consider purchasing a new boiler. This is because an old and inefficient boiler can end up costing you up to £380 a year more in energy costs compared to a brand new A-rated efficient combi boiler.
Age of Boiler | Efficiency Percentage | Efficiency Rating (ErP) |
0+ Years | 90% + | A |
10+ Years | 85% + | B/C |
15+ Years | 80% + | C/D |
20+ Years | 70% + | E/F |
25+ Years | 60% + | G |
The direct correlation between a boiler's age and its efficiency is clear to see in the newer systems’ ErP.
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