The ongoing cost of living crisis will see some pensioners heating allowance payments cut, meaning millions across Britain will struggle to heat their homes.
However, there are ways to make the boiler more efficient, which helps keep the home warm and energy bills low. This can range from regularly cleaning the boiler to simply bleeding radiators.
Joshua Houston, boiler expert at GreenMatch, has shared his five top tips below.
Houston said, “We’re all looking for ways in which we can reduce our monthly outgoings. Making our boilers more efficient will mean they don’t have to work as hard, resulting in a lower energy bill at the end of the month.
“Not only this, but taking care of your boiler will help prevent more major damage. It will increase the lifespan of your boiler, which will save you money on a replacement or repairs.”
Clean the boiler
When going about doing regular cleaning, make sure that the boiler is on the list. This is because dust (along with other substances) builds up on the boiler’s surface.
Regular cleaning, which can be done as a quick two-minute task, prevents rust, which ultimately increases the lifespan of the boiler before needing to be replaced.
The average cost of a new boiler in the UK is between £1,500 and £3,500, but it can be more. So following this simple tip could saveyouf thousands, which is particularly important in the run-up to Christmas.
Increase the pressure
If homeowners are struggling to get hot water at a good temperature and speed, then there might be a problem with the boiler pressure.
Individuals can check this by looking at the pressure gauge, which should be located on or next to the boiler. The ideal pressure is between one and two bars.
If it’s less, then there is most likely a leak. But if it reads more than two, then people need to bleed the radiators to reduce the pressure.
Increasing the boiler pressure is very simple. First, homeowners need to search for a valve in the pipework.
Once this has been located, open it a little, and you should see the pressure beginning to rise. Continue to do this until the gauge reads between one and one-and-a-half, then close the valve.
Insulate the pipes
When the temperature outside goes below zero, water can freeze inside pipes, which forces the boiler to work harder.
In some cases, this can cause the pipes to burst, leaving an expensive repair bill. To prevent this, you can use foam tubes that can be picked up for as little as a couple of pounds. Simply put the tubes around the pipes to keep them warm and reduce heat loss.
This means that the boiler won’t have to work as hard, as your water will stay warmer for longer, saving you money.
Bleed the radiators
Bleeding the radiators increases their performance. You can test each radiator in the home by turning on the heating to see if they have cold spots. Any radiators that do will need bleeding.
Firstly, ensure that the central heating system is turned off. This will allow the radiator (and the water inside) to cool down, reducing the risk of burns and a water leakage. Then locate the bleed valve on the radiator.
The bleed valve is a small square peg or a round knob, and it may be concealed under a plastic cap. Place a small bowl or towel below the radiator to catch any water that may spill during the bleeding process.
Insert the radiator key or screwdriver into the bleed valve and slowly turn it anticlockwise. Individuals should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Keep the valve open until the hissing stops and water drops start to flow out.
Once the water appears, quickly close the bleed valve by turning it clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the valve. Homeowners can now turn the heating back on and enjoy fully functioning heating.
Call a professional
The boiler is a crucial part of the home, so they must make sure that it is regularly serviced. A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to spot any issues, and if they’re early enough, stop a minor problem from becoming major.
They can also clean the inside of the boiler, which often becomes overrun with dust, causing blockages. Homeowners should aim to get their boiler serviced at least once a year, or when they think there might be a problem.
