When you live in colder climates, it is essential to keep your heating system running properly and efficiently. Keeping your boiler in good shape can ensure you can deliver consistent heating through blistering cold winters. Without adequate heating, your home can experience discomfort, or it can lead to illness or other serious health concerns.
Maintaining your existing equipment will ensure its reliability and allow you to avoid downtime and additional costs. If you experience a breakdown, there are boiler hire services that allow you to rent temporary equipment to get you by. Like any other machine, however, boilers need periodic inspection and maintenance to keep it running at optimum levels.
If you don’t want to find yourself without adequate heating, checking on your system can help you prevent breakdowns. Here are some critical steps you should take to ensure your boiler is in good condition before colder months arrive:
1. Inspect the water levels
Without water, your boiler won’t be able to produce steam and subsequently, heat. When you turn your boiler on without an adequate amount of water in it, it can damage the system. Check for any leaks in the piping leading into the boiler, or if the water is leaking from the boiler’s tank.
2. Check the boiler overflow pipe
Water will leak from the boiler overflow pipe only if there is too much pressure in the system. The tube leads from the boiler to the outside or to a drainage pipe nearby. If there is water coming out of the overflow pipe, it can signal a problem with the pressure release valve, something that may require professional help to replace.
3. Inspect the burner
Most boilers will have a window or a small opening where you can see the flame inside. Blue flames mean that the natural gas supply is burning under normal conditions. If the flames turn yellow, orange, or any other colour, it may indicate problems with the burner. The colour of the flame may also mean there is an ineffective displacement of carbon monoxide or other gases inside the boiler, which can lead to inefficient heating or combustion. Shut down the system and call a repair technician immediately.
4. Bleed your radiators
The radiators are an integral part of the heating system. They deliver heat from the boiler to the rooms. If you experience inconsistent levels of heating in various places in the house, it might signal a problem with the boiler system. Turn off your entire heating system entirely and try to bleed your radiators. Turn the key at the top corner until you hear a hissing sound escaping. Use a cloth to catch the water that may leak from the pipe. Tighten the key again and restart your heating system. If you continue to experience cold spots, it might be time to call the technician for repairs.
5. Keep the area clear
Residential boilers are typically located in the basement or a utility room. These out-of-the-way areas tend to be used as storage and, over time, it can crowd your heating equipment. Make sure your boiler and the radiators around your house are free of obstruction to give them ample space to release heat and to prevent the appliances from overheating.
To ensure your boiler is at peak condition, you should call a technician to do a thorough inspection and repair. When you suspect problems with your boiler, turn off the system and schedule a check-up immediately. Your repair technician may recommend temporary boiler rental to supplement your heating until you can get your system working properly.
Are you in need of a boiler hire company in London? We are on call 24/7 to provide you with emergency heating solutions. Call us to get an instant quote and have your heating problems sorted immediately.