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DIY Boiler Maintenance
We all know that boiler repairs and replacements are really expensive and disruptive, but if you’re boiler’s got to go, it’s got to go, right? Well, not anymore! There are lots of tips and tricks you can use in your own home in order to take care of your boiler and postpone that costly repair work. Here are a few of the easiest, cheapest and best ways to look after your beloved boiler.
Run your heating regularly
Even during the peak of summer (yes, the whole week of it!), you should still run your central heating at least once a month. Leaving your boiler to its own devices during the warmer months may lead to problems when you want to start it back up again. Running your heating every once in a while will help keep your boiler running effectively, and prevent the build up of grit and other such like in the boiler pump, which can cause expensive damage.
Bleed
Your radiators, of course, are what we’re referring to here. If your radiators are full of trapped air, the temptation is to crank up the temperature in order to compensate for the patchy heat provided by your radiators. However, this can put a lot of pressure on your boiler and, if done too often, can cause technical problems with your boiler. Bleeding your radiators shouldn’t be messy if you do it right, and it shouldn’t be dangerous either. And, it only takes 10 minutes to do the whole house! So there’s really no excuse for having dodgy radiators anymore.
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm
If you use a gas central heating system, or any other gas appliance for that matter, you should definitely invest in a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide has no smell or colour to it, but it can be deadly if too much of it gets in your system, so having a carbon monoxide alarm could save your life.
Shop around
Just because you have a certain company providing your gas, doesn’t mean you have to choose their boiler cover plans and insurance. The plans your provider has on offer may be too expensive for you, or might provide the wrong type of cover. As a result, you should check what plans other providers have on offer, too, as they might be able to look after your boiler better. Whatever provider you choose, though, make sure to get your boiler checked at least once a year, in order to keep your boiler in good condition and prevent any nasty surprises. And remember, if you have a problem with your boiler, do not try to fix it yourself!
Article by Connor Sephton, 23rd September 2011. Content correct at the date of publication.
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