Maintaining your heating system is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively, especially during the colder months.
In this blog post, we will discuss 8 essential tips for keeping your heating system in top condition. From having your boiler serviced regularly to installing a magnetic filter and smart thermostat, these tips will help you maintain a comfortable and warm home environment.
Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions related to heating system maintenance, such as what type of boiler to buy and how often to have your system inspected.
Have your boiler serviced regularly
Make sure you don’t forget to get your boiler serviced regularly – it’s essential for keeping your home warm and cosy!
Boiler maintenance is key for ensuring your heating system runs efficiently and successfully. A regular boiler service helps prolong the lifespan of your combi boiler, and can even help save you money on your energy bills over time.
Your boiler should be serviced at least once a year, and more often if it’s an older model. During the service, the engineer will check the gas pressure, flue, burner, and other parts of the boiler to make sure that everything is in working order. They’ll also clean the boiler and check for any signs of corrosion or leaks.
Regular servicing is important for all types of gas boilers, and it’s the best way to ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently.
Power flush/clean your system
You’ll be amazed at the difference a power flush or clean can make to your system! Power flushing is a process that circulates water with a cleaning agent through your central heating system in order to remove any dirt or sludge that has built up over time.
This helps to improve the efficiency of your system and also extends the boiler lifespan. It’s one of the most important aspects of central heating maintenance, as it can help to prevent blockages, expensive repairs, and breakdowns of your boiler.
Power flushing also helps to prevent any noise or vibration from occurring in the system, as well as ensuring that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible. By regularly power flushing your system, you can ensure that you get the most out of your boiler and that it remains in good condition for years to come.
Install a magnetic filter
Installing a magnetic filter can help your heating system run like a dream and keep it running smoothly for years to come! Magnetic filters are designed to protect your boilers from corrosion and sludge build-up, which can cause blockages and reduce efficiency. By installing a magnetic filter in your system, you can keep your boiler in top condition, reduce the need for maintenance, and extend its life.
Magnetic filters are relatively easy to install, and the cost of installation is typically minimal. However, it’s important to ensure that your heating system is properly sized for the filter, as an undersized filter can be ineffective.
Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that the filter is regularly maintained to keep it functioning properly. Taking the time to install a magnetic filter can help you enjoy worry-free heating and ensure that your system runs efficiently for years to come.
Magnaclean Professional 2 System Cleaner
22 mm
- Rapid in-line installation providing exceptional central heating protection
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Install a deaerator
By installing a deaerator, like the Spirotech Spirovent you can help your boiler run more efficiently and save on energy costs.
A deaerator is a device that removes oxygen and other dissolved gases from the feedwater that enters the boiler. This helps to reduce the corrosion of the boiler’s metal components and increases the efficiency of the system.
The device works by adding heat to the feedwater and passing it through a spray chamber that removes the oxygen. It also adds a chemical to the water to reduce corrosion.
Installing a deaerator can also help to reduce the amount of maintenance needed for the boiler, as well as improve boiler efficiency and reduce energy costs.
The installation process is relatively simple and can be done by a qualified technician. This will ensure that the device is installed correctly and that it is working properly.
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiators can help you get the most out of your heating system and save money on energy costs. It’s a simple task that you can do yourself as long as you have the right tools and take proper safety precautions.
To start, you’ll need a radiator key and a bowl or bucket to catch the water. Once you have these items, locate the bleed valve on your radiator and use the key to open it. You may hear a hissing sound as the air escapes.
Once the water starts to flow, close the valve and wipe up any excess water that might have leaked. Make sure to close the valve tightly and check the pressure of your system to ensure that it’s running efficiently.
Taking the time to bleed your radiators can help you maintain your system and maximize its efficiency.
Turn on your heating during warmer months
Keeping your heating on during the warmer months can help you save money on your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. It may seem counterintuitive to use heating when the temperature outside is rising, but doing so can actually help you maintain a more consistent temperature and reduce costs in the long run.
By keeping your heating on during the warmer months, you can ensure that your radiators are ready for when the temperature drops. This will allow your heating system to turn on and off less frequently, and thus reduce energy costs. Additionally, when your heating system is running at a consistent temperature, it will be better equipped to respond to sudden drops in temperature.
Keeping your heating on during the warmer months will also help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home even during the hottest days of summer.
Consider having a weather compensated or smart thermostat
Investing in a weather compensated thermostat can help you save money and keep your home comfortable year-round. It’s a type of thermostat that takes into account the outdoor temperature while regulating your indoor temperature.
This helps to ensure that your heating system isn’t overworking itself when the weather is mild and won’t turn off completely when the temperatures drop. With a weather compensated thermostat, you can keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level without wasting energy and money.
A weather compensated thermostat works by using a temperature sensor that’s placed outside the home. This sensor measures the outside temperature and then adjusts the thermostat to maintain a comfortable level of warmth inside. It also takes into account the humidity levels in your home, as well as the amount of sunlight coming in.
With this type of thermostat, you can rest assured that your heating system will be working efficiently and effectively throughout the year.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation,
Stainless Steel
- Automatically turns your heating off when you leave your home
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Ensure the heating system is topped up
To ensure your heating system is running smoothly, make sure you regularly top it up with the right amount of water. This is an important component of regular heating system maintenance, as water pressure that is too low can lead to your boiler turning off.
If you have a combi or system boiler it’s important to check the water pressure often – at least once a month – to ensure that it is at the right level and to top it up if needed. To do this, you’ll need to consult your boiler manual to find out what pressure is recommended for your system, and how much water you need to add. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can always call a qualified HVAC technician for help. If you find you are having to top your system up often then you probably have a leak so it is best to have a heating engineer investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of boiler should I buy?
When considering what type of boiler to buy, it’s important to keep in mind the size of your home and the type of fuel you’re looking to use. Boilers come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and can be powered by either natural gas, propane, electricity, or oil.
You should also consider the efficiency of the boiler, as some will require more energy to power them. Additionally, you may want to think about the maintenance of the boiler, as some may require more frequent attention than others.
With so many options available, it’s important to research each one carefully to make sure you choose the right boiler for your home.
How often should I have my heating system inspected?
You should have your heating system inspected at least once a year, preferably in the fall before the cold weather sets in.
This will help ensure that your system is running efficiently and that any potential problems can be identified and fixed before they become major issues.
Having a professional inspect your heating system can help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and helping your system run more efficiently.
How much does a power flush cost?
A power flush can cost anywhere from £300 – £500, depending on the system and complexity of the job. It’s important to ensure the job is done properly to avoid future problems, so be sure to find an experienced professional to do the job.
Remember to ask for references and check reviews to make sure you’re getting the best service.
What should I do if my radiators aren’t heating up?
If your radiators aren’t heating up, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to a temperature high enough that it’s triggering the radiators to come on.
If it is, then you may need to bleed the radiators by turning the valve at the top with a radiator key or screwdriver. If air is released, you may need to top up the system with a pressure gauge.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, it may be time to call in a professional as there could be an issue with your pump. diverter valve or boiler.
Is it cheaper to leave radiators on all the time?
The Energy Savings Trust has concluded that attempting to save money by keeping your central heating set to a low setting isn’t a viable option. This is largely attributed to issues with home insulation. For instance, if your house is particularly aged or poorly insulated, a lot of heat can be lost through windows and doors.
Thus, it’s not feasible to have your central heating constantly on a low setting. To ensure your home is kept warm and your energy bills are kept low, it’s important to make sure your home is properly insulated. Investing in insulation can make a significant difference to your heating costs.
That said it is worth having you heating set back to a lower temperature at night rather than being completely turned off so that it doesn’t take too long to get back up to temperature in the morning.
Conclusion
You should take the time to ensure your heating system is well-maintained and running efficiently. Regular servicing and cleaning will keep your system in good condition and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
You should also consider installing a magnetic filter, deaerator, and weather-compensated thermostat to help your system run more efficiently.
Lastly, don’t forget to bleed your radiators and turn on your heating during the warmer months. With a bit of effort, you can keep your system running in tip-top shape and save money in the long run. So, don’t put it off any longer. Get your heating system serviced, cleaned, and maintained now!
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