Pre-Winter Boiler Checks

• Visual Inspection
  Start by taking a good look at your boiler. Check for any obvious signs of damage, leaks, or unusual wear. Look under and around the unit and pipework for any water drips, rust, corrosion or loose connections. If you notice something wrong, contact your heating engineer for advice, because small issues can lead to big problems if they are not diagnosed and addressed.
• Pressure Test
  Your boiler’s pressure gauge is a key indicator of how well your system is functioning. Over time, pressure can drop, which reduces the efficiency of your heating, meaning your heating bills will increase while heat output decreases. Ideal boiler pressure usually falls between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold. If it’s too low, you can increase it by adding water through the filling loop. If it’s too high, consider bleeding the radiators (more on that below). If you prefer not to fiddle with your heating system yourself, call in our experts.
• Flue Check
  The flue is the pipe leading from your boiler which acts as a chimney, safely carrying away harmful gases and water vapour generated by the boiler as it burns gas or oil to heat water for your home. Blockages in the flue can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Make sure your boiler flue is free from debris or any obstructions that might prevent it from venting properly. If you suspect an issue, it’s best to contact a professional, as tampering with the flue can be hazardous. Need help? Boost Plumbing provides a comprehensive boiler inspection service.
• Radiator Bleed
  If you notice cold spots on your radiators, trapped air could be the culprit. Bleeding your radiators allows this air to escape, which improves heating efficiency. Locate the bleed valve (usually at the top of the radiator), use a radiator key, and turn it counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. Once water starts to flow, close the valve. Regular radiator maintenance can make a big difference in how warm your home feels.
• Thermostat Calibration
  It’s a good idea to check the thermostat on your central heating to make sure it is correctly calibrated and is adjusting the room temperature accordingly. You can check by simply comparing the central heating thermostat reading with a reliable room thermometer placed close to it. If you’ve noticed higher than expected energy bills or temperature fluctuations mis-calibration may well be the cause. To put things back on track call in some professional heating help.
• Powerflushing
  A procedure called Powerflushing can cure all sorts of ills in a poorly performing central heating system. This is a deep clean and clear-out of the radiators and piping using chemicals and special high-velocity flushing equipment – recommended to be carried out every five years or when a new boiler is installed. It can prevent cold spots on radiators, dirty water leaking from valves, boiler noise and boiler pump failure. If your boiler hasn’t been flushed out in a while, consider calling Boost Plumbing for expert help.
• Pipe Insulation
  It’s a good idea to keep your boiler and its attendant pipework wrapped up warm. Frozen plastic condensate pipes (leading from the boiler into an exterior drain) can lead to the boiler shutting down and not working. Other water pipes associated with the heating system may freeze and burst during a cold snap, whether they are outside or in cold spaces like the attic, garage or basement.

To prevent frozen pipes make sure those at risk are insulated with sleeves or foam tubing before the cold weather arrives.