Winter with its icy weather is when you need your boiler the most, but it is also the time when the conditions put the most stress on the system. Extremely cold weather can cause any number of problems from frozen pipes to issues with the lagging of the boiler. The need for more heat also stresses the system. So how can you prepare your boiler for icy weather and all that winter throws at it?
Check the pipes lagging
Condensing boilers need to have pipes outside to do their job effectively and these pipes are a potential weak point in the system in the colder weather. The best way to protect them is with something called lagging – a special kind of foam insulation that protects the pipes from the icy weather and stops them freezing.
Service the boiler
It is tempting to leave the boiler service until winter when you start to use the system more frequently, but it can be a good idea to have it serviced earlier. That way if there are any problems, you can find out long before you need to rely on the heating. If you have left it until winter for your boiler servicing, it’s not too late! Always ensure you have your boiler servicing carried out annually for maximum efficiency.
Consider power flushing
Just like servicing, other large repairs or maintenance needed to be done to the heating system are best done before the worst of the weather comes along. One example is a power flush – this is a special treatment that cleans out the heating system including the radiators and pipes and ensures that the system is running on clean water. This removes the sludge from the system which can lead to blockages and breakdowns when you need the system the most.
Check the thermostat
Thermostats are a key part of the heating system and if yours isn’t working well, then this can lead to problems. So pre-winter can be a good time to check it is working properly and, if not, consider upgrading. The new smart thermostat systems are already proving very popular and these can help you regulate the temperature in the house while you are out at work and even save you money on your gas and electricity bills.
Have your pipes checked
Pipes are the most vulnerable part of the heating system, so this is a good time to check their insulation and make sure that they are to a top standard. Frozen pipes are prone to bursting and this can lead to a flood and a lot of damage. While checking pipes, also make sure that if you have any pipes in the loft that these too have the best insulation on them.
If you’d like some help prepping your boiler for winter, then get in touch with DHS. Our heating engineers have 40 years’ experience with and the South West.
Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.
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