What to do with Your Boiler when You Go on Holiday

In this blog we’ll be taking a look at some helpful and handy tips and tricks to minimise wasteful energy usage when you’re not at home for an extended period.

Should you turn your boiler off?

Whether you should turn off your boiler when you go on holiday depends on factors such as:

• Trip duration

• What time of year it is

• Boiler type

For example if you’re taking a short trip it may not be necessary to fully turn your boiler off, but for longer ones, adjusting settings or taking precautions is advisable.

Proactively prepare your boiler 

Turn Down the Thermostat

Lower your thermostat to a temperature that will prevent freezing but still conserve energy. Setting it to around 50°F (10°C) is usually sufficient to keep your home from becoming too cold while saving on heating costs.

Use a Timer or Programmable Thermostat

Consider using a timer or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home. Set it to a lower temperature during periods when you know you won't be home, such as during the day or overnight.

Bleed Radiators (If Needed)

If you notice any cold spots on your radiators, it's a good idea to bleed them before you leave. This process removes any trapped air, ensuring optimal heat distribution when the heating is turned on.

Water and Boiler Maintenance

Check for Leaks

Inspect your boiler and the surrounding pipes for any signs of leaks. Addressing leaks before you go on holiday can help prevent potential water damage or other issues while you're away.

Run a Maintenance Cycle

Consider running a maintenance cycle on your boiler before you leave. This process helps remove any debris or sludge that may have accumulated, improving the overall efficiency of your system.

Shut Off the Water Supply

To prevent any potential leaks or water damage, consider shutting off the water supply to your boiler. This step is especially crucial if you have an older boiler that may be more prone to leaks.

Consider a Boiler Service

If it's been a while since your last boiler service, scheduling one before your holiday is a smart move. A professional boiler service will ensure that your system is in good working order, minimising the risk of any unexpected issues while you're away.

What Does a Boiler Service Involve?

• The boiler is fired to identify any faults

• The main components including the burner, heat exchanger and the spark electrode are checked

• Flue terminals and internal flue compartments are checked and sealed properly

• Using a flue gas analyser, the burner is checked to make sure it’s burning efficiently

• Boiler parts are cleaned if necessary

• Gas tightness test is conducted to ensure there are no gas leaks

• Boiler casing is checked to make sure it's sealed properly

Why is a Service Necessary?

A boiler service helps to make sure your boiler is running properly and can identify small issues early on before they become much more serious problems that could result in expensive repair costs or even replacement.

Having your boiler serviced also ensures that it is operating safely. This is incredibly important as each year around 60 people die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning each year due to its ability to go undetected in day-to-day life. A boiler service can help to identify a carbon monoxide leak and put a stop to it, keeping your family and home safe.

Your boiler warranty may also become invalid if you do not have it serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer as many manufacturers state this as a requirement in their terms and conditions.

Here at iHeat we offer up to 10 Year warranties, so to ensure your warranty remains valid, you must have an annual service performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Advantages of Modern Boilers

In addition to taking the necessary steps to prepare your boiler for your holiday, consider the advantages of upgrading to a modern boiler. 

Modern boilers offer numerous benefits that can enhance energy efficiency and improve overall performance.

One significant advantage is improved energy efficiency. Modern boilers are designed with advanced technology that significantly reduces energy waste. 

They operate at higher levels of efficiency, meaning you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Upgrading to a modern boiler allows you to optimise energy usage even when you're away, leading to greater savings in the long run.

Another advantage of modern boilers is enhanced control and programmability. Many models come equipped with programmable thermostats and smart controls, allowing you to customise your heating schedule and remotely adjust settings. 

This flexibility ensures that you can optimise energy usage based on your specific needs, whether you're at home or on holiday. 

By leveraging the advanced control features of modern boilers, you can achieve optimal comfort while maximising energy savings.

Furthermore, modern boilers often incorporate condensing technology. This innovative feature allows the boiler to extract heat from the flue gases and recycle it back into the heating system. 

As a result, the boiler operates with higher efficiency by reducing wasted heat. This not only lowers your energy consumption but also minimises environmental impact. 

By upgrading to a modern boiler, you contribute to a greener future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable living.

Lastly, modern boilers offer increased reliability and safety. They undergo rigorous testing and adhere to strict safety standards. With extended warranties provided by manufacturers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your boiler is backed by a reliable and trusted product.

This ensures that your home remains warm and comfortable, even in your absence.

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