You’ve seen all the warning TV ads so you know if there is a problem with your gas boiler and you need to draft in expert assistance fast. While there have been major advertising campaigns around what to do and what not to do when you suspect a problem with your boiler, there is little information available about how to actually prevent issues from occurring in the first place.
A boiler can last for many, many years, performing at optimal levels, but that’s only if it’s properly maintained. We have put together this quick guide of tips for maintaining & servicing your boiler, to help you prevent major issues and ensure you can enjoy a lasting, stress free relationship with one of the hardest working pieces of equipment in your home.
It pays to give your gas boiler a visual exterior inspection. Spotting visible signs of a problem like leaks, cracks or warning messages and calling in a plumber immediately means that minor issues can be quickly rectified and prevented from becoming significant disasters.
If you begin to hear rattling, knocking, banging or gurgling sounds, you’ll be glad to know it’s not likely to be coming from a ghost or new spooky resident in your home. If you observe such sounds, you will likely find that they are coming from your boiler. If you hear strange noises, call a registered gas boiler service expert immediately. Don’t try to ignore the noise or drown it out!
Even if you aren’t alerted to loud noises from your boiler, it is worth paying close attention to the sounds it is making. The sooner you can spot irregularities in the sounds made by your boiler – no matter how faint they may be – the less significant the issue will likely be to resolve.
As the warmer summer months arrive, it is common for many people in Ireland to switch off their boiler until the sharp cold winter returns. While this may seem the right thing to do economically, it might not be the case in the long run. To keep all components in working order, it is best to put them into action regularly, even if it’s just for 30 minutes every day or every second day in the summer.
Any potential issues can be rectified quicker if the boiler is in regular use too – the last thing you want to do is leave it switched off until winter only to discover there is an issue with your boiler just when you need it most!
Insulating your pipes isn’t an expensive or complicated task and it can go a long way to preventing a boiler breakdown. During the winter months, it can be all too easy for the pipes to freeze up as temperatures fall below zero.
Unfortunately, frozen pipes can quickly lead to a boiler breakdown so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If there’s one thing you do to protect your boiler, it should be to insulate your pipes.
Along with your own checks and maintenance tasks, you should always ensure to schedule a yearly service by a registered gas boiler service company.
The expense of an annual service isn’t a huge cost and is one you should never debate cutting. After all, the aim of regular servicing is to save you money in the long run by nipping issues in the bud and keeping your boiler in tiptop shape.
So there you have it; our top 5 quick boiler maintenance tips – short and sweet, but believe us when we say, taking heed of each tip can have a massive impact in helping to extend the life of your gas boiler.