Boiler maintenance guide
New boilers are pricey, so you want to make sure that yours goes the distance. Here’s how to look after your boiler so it keeps on working every winter.
New boilers are pricey, so you want to make sure that yours goes the distance. Here’s how to look after your boiler so it keeps on working every winter.
60-second summaryJust want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to boiler maintenance:
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How do I look after my boiler?
Boilers typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, but as they get older they may become less efficient, leading to higher energy bills, and a greater chance of breaking down.
So you’ll want to make sure your boiler stays in good working order for as long as possible. Parts can wear out over time, sludge and debris can accumulate, and rust and corrosion too.
If you’re a landlord and you’ve installed gas boilers in your properties, you’ll need to make sure they have an annual gas safety check too.
Regular maintenance is crucial for efficiency. There are some things you can do yourself, but for others you’ll need a qualified engineer. So what are the essentials of boiler maintenance?
1. Get your boiler serviced every year
Yearly maintenance might sound expensive, but it could prevent more expensive repairs or replacements in future. A regularly serviced boiler can be more efficient, which could also help save on your energy bills.
Try to get your boiler serviced in the autumn. This could help avoid winter emergencies and the seasonal rush of callouts for plumbers and boiler engineers. See how to get a cheap boiler service.
2. Get a carbon monoxide alarm and replace the batteries when necessary
Under certain conditions, boilers can leak deadly carbon monoxide (CO), which is undetectable by smell and taste. A working alarm is crucial for safety.
It’s easy to get an alarm from any reputable retailer, but make sure the model you choose meets current European safety standards. Check the packaging or the product to see that it’s marked BS EN 50291 or EN50291 and has the 'CE' mark.
Your alarm should be placed up high, between one to three metres from the boiler. Alarms can be placed on a shelf or fixed to a wall or ceiling.
- If on a ceiling, the alarm should be mounted at least 30cm from any wall.
- If on a wall, the alarm should be mounted at least 15cm from the ceiling.
What to do if your carbon monoxide detector goes off
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3. Check the boiler flame
The flame inside your boiler should be clear blue. If you’re able to look at it and it’s burning yellow or orange, that’s a sign you have a problem. It could mean you have a carbon monoxide leak, so turn the boiler off, open doors and windows, and get it checked straight away. Call the National Gas Service on 0800 111 999.
4. Look for warning signs
Be aware of the warning signs that it’s time to call out a heating engineer. These include:
- The pilot light keeps going out.
- A smell of gas when the boiler’s running.
- Signs of soot or a musty smell.
- Dark or scorch marks on the boiler.
- Odd noises like bangs and whistles.
- Unusual amounts of condensation on your windows.
Any of these could be a sign that your boiler needs some professional attention.
5. Check for leaks around the boiler
Regularly inspect the area around your boiler for any signs of water leaks, which could also indicate a problem needing professional attention.
6. Bleed your radiators regularly
Bleeding radiators can remove trapped air, ensuring your heating system runs efficiently. Afterwards, your home may feel that little bit toastier.
7. Check your boiler pressure
Have a look at the pressure gauge on the front. If the pressure seems too low or too high, consult your model’s instruction manual. You may need an engineer to repressurise the heating system.
8. Listen to your boiler and your heating system
If the sound your heating system makes when it comes on is a bit like a kettle, you could have a build-up of sludge or limescale on your boiler’s heat exchanger. Boiler engineers call this kettling. This kind of build-up can restrict the flow of water in the heat exchanger, resulting in overheating, steaming and boiling. A regular check will keep an eye on this.
There are other noises to listen out for too. Gurgling may mean air trapped in the system, which may be fixable by bleeding the radiators. Banging can have a number of causes, including a faulty thermostat. An aeroplane sound could mean a faulty pump. If noises persists or if you’re at all worried, call in an engineer.
9. Insulate your pipes
Modern condensing boilers typically use external condensate pipes that can freeze in cold weather. Signs this may have happened include gurgling noises, no hot water or heat in radiators, or error codes on your boiler display. To unfreeze a pipe, gently pour warm (not hot or boiling) water over it, standing as well clear as you can. It’s important the water is not too hot or you could crack the pipe.
But this is just a short-term solution, of course. To prevent the pipe freezing in future, it can be lagged, replaced with a bigger diameter equivalent less likely to freeze, or even routed differently so it’s less exposed and more sheltered.
10. Monitor energy bills
A sudden increase in energy bills could indicate your boiler is not running efficiently and may need servicing.
11. Turn your heating on occasionally during the summer
Dust and corrosion can build up if your boiler hasn’t been used for a while. It’s worth turning on your heating for a short while every few weeks in the summer and autumn to keep the boiler ticking over. It will help flag up issues early for you too.
12. Keep the boiler manual handy
Having the manual accessible can help you quickly troubleshoot minor issues or understand error codes.
Troubleshooting common boiler issues
While some boiler issues require a registered gas engineer, there are a few common problems you can troubleshoot yourself:
No heating or hot water
- Check the thermostat: Make sure it’s set to the right temperature and the heating controls are on.
- Check the timer: Make sure the timer settings are correct and the clock is set to the right time. An issue can arise, for example, when the clocks go back or forwards.
- Reset the boiler: Like with everything else, sometimes you just need to turn it off and on again. Refer to your boiler manual for instructions.
Low pressure
- Check the pressure gauge: If it’s below one bar, you may need to repressurise the system. Follow the instructions in your boiler manual.
Radiators not heating up
- Bleed the radiators: Trapped air can prevent radiators from heating properly. Use a radiator key to release any air pockets.
- Check the radiator valves: Make sure they’re fully open to allow the hot water to flow through.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, or if you encounter any significant problems, it's important to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer for professional assistance.
Using your boiler safely
Safety is paramount when using your boiler. Here are some essential precautions:
Natural gas leaks
- Recognise the smell: Natural gas, which your boiler burns to create heat energy, has a distinctive smell. If you detect it, act immediately.
- Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow gas to escape.
- Avoid sparks: Don’t switch on or off any electrical appliances or lights.
- Put out any naked flames and don’t smoke.
- Turn off the gas supply: Find the gas shut-off valve and turn it off.
- Contact the National Gas Service: Call 0800 111 999 for emergency assistance.
What to do if your boiler needs repairing
Firstly, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, contact a heating engineer. All UK heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered – you can find a local one by visiting the Gas Safe Register.
Boiler repairs can be expensive, typically £100-£500 or £300 on average. But they can go higher, of course, depending on the issue. See more about the costs of getting a boiler fixed.
Do I need boiler cover?
Boiler cover could protect you from the costs of fixing your boiler if it breaks down. Factors to help you decide whether you need it might include the age and condition of your boiler, whether you rent your home (the boiler will typically be the landlord’s responsibility) and whether you could afford to replace it if need be.
You can use our boiler cover comparison service to find the right level of cover for your home.
What will boiler insurance cover me for?
There are essentially two different types of boiler cover:
- Boiler-only cover – typically covers only the boiler and its controls. This type of cover might also include an annual boiler service plan.
- Boiler and central heating cover – protects your boiler and central heating system, including pipes, radiators and pumps.
You can also opt for a full home care plan which includes plumbing, wiring, drains and waste pipes, and even pest infestations.
Cover can vary, so check the policy to see if it covers:
- calling out an engineer
- annual boiler services
- parts and labour
- a discounted new boiler if your old one is beyond repair.
How do I get boiler cover?
There are various ways to cover your boiler:
- Add home emergency cover to your home insurance policy, checking first that boiler cover is included.
- Buy boiler cover from a specialist provider. Compare the Market works with Hometree, one of the UK’s top-rated home care providers.
- Get a warranty or repair plan from the manufacturer.
- Get it from your energy supplier, who may include it as part of your tariff.
What to watch out for
If you’re taking out a home emergency or boiler care plan, always read the policy carefully.
- Make sure your particular boiler is included in the policy. Some models won’t be, especially if they’re old or run on oil.
- Check the Ts&Cs. For instance, you may need to keep your boiler regularly serviced to be eligible to make a claim.
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