Heating might be the last thing on your mind as the evenings start to get longer and the warm air settles in, but summer is the ideal time to get your boiler and heating system serviced, reducing your heating costs for the winter ahead.
Get your boiler serviced
A dodgy boiler can mean you’re wasting money on your heating, and summer is the perfect time to check that everything is in working order. Hopefully your boiler won’t be going at full pelt during the summer months, so if there is a problem, you will have time to get it repaired or think about buying a new one.
And you won’t have to wait or panic buy a heater while your boiler is being fixed. Engineers are more readily available during the summer due to less emergency call-outs, and you might even get a better deal.
Time for a new boiler?
The thought of forking out for a new boiler can cause a massive headache, but sometimes it’s a sensible choice as inefficient boilers can cost you a lot more in the long run.
There are many different boilers on the market but replacing an old boiler with a new model immediately improves your energy efficiency; it will need less repairs, be more environmentally friendly and have better controls. And if you do need a new boiler, you will at least have a bit of time to save until the inevitable big freeze sets in.
Don’t turn it off altogether
Can’t wait to turn your boiler off over summer? It’s tempting. Unfortunately, depending on your boiler type, this can actually do more harm than good and end up costing you even more money.
It’s a good idea to turn your boiler on briefly every few weeks during the summer to prevent valves seizing up, and just to check that everything is working properly – after all you want to know it’s ship shape by the time the colder months arrive.
Bleed your radiators
You can improve the efficiency of your heating system and lower your heating costs by simply bleeding your radiators. As this needs to be done when the radiators are off; the summer – even a British one, is your best bet. Bleeding effectively releases trapped air and this is how it’s done:
- Turn on your radiators to check which ones have cool spots and need bleeding.
- Turn off your radiators and attach your radiator key to the valve of the affected radiators and turn anti-clockwise.
- When the gas escapes you will hear a hissing sound. Once this stops and water drops out, close the valve by turning it back, clockwise.
- Finally, check the gauge on your boiler to ensure the pressure is stable.
To speak to one of our heating specialists, arrange a boiler service or for more information call us on 07872 105 094 and we’ll be happy to help.
