Now that spring is approaching, and temperatures are beginning to creep up many homeowners will be turning their attention to spring cleaning and giving all aspects of their home some TLC. Some will be considering turning off the central heating, but the warmer months are in fact the ideal time to undertake some essential boiler maintenance.
Darran Smith, technical manager for home heating expert Alpha, offers advice on how to care for your boiler this season and maximise efficiency ahead of the colder months.
“Spring is prime time to ensure that your appliance is ready for winter. It’s much easier to iron out any issues now, rather than being without your boiler during the time you rely on it most.
“We advise having your boiler serviced annually to prevent it breaking down when you need it most, since the engineers conducting the service should be able to spot potential problems before they occur. It also provides peace of mind in the current cost of living crisis that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible and isn’t having to work harder to provide the heating and hot water you need. Boiler services are vital for safety too; your engineer will ensure there’s nothing comprising the boiler’s integrity, such as leaky pipes which could allow carbon monoxide to escape.
“A full service should take under one hour and will include control and corrosion checks, pressure-flow tests, and inspections of the inside of the boiler unit. Pipework and electrical connections will also be inspected. Gas boiler inspections should always be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer, while if you require an oil boiler service, ensure the engineer carrying out the work is OFTEC-registered.
“Engineers often find themselves with a much higher workload during the colder months, so it can be harder to secure any available time with them. It can also potentially cost you more if an emergency call-out is required. Beat the crowds and get your service booked in during the quieter season.
“Increased temperatures can cause cold pipes to expand, which can lead to cracks and leaks. If you hear any gurgling or bubbling sounds, you must call out a Gas Safe registered engineer to fix the problem.”
To find a registered engineer and more about boiler servicing visit www.alpha-innovation.co.uk.
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