Fall is just around the corner, and that means the heating season has arrived! With it comes the dreaded boiler breakdowns and doing boiler rental. In preparation for this, we have put together an expert boiler switch on guide with our top five tips to ensure a smooth switching process and what to look out somewhere you might otherwise overlook in order to avoid any breakdowns due to wear-and-tear.
Common boiler issues to look out for
Boiler breakdowns are not something that is planned, but unfortunately can happen from time to time. Fortunately these problems have been compiled in a list so they can easily be detected and limited with money and energy waste. If you spot one of the listed issues early on, it could even save your life.
Low boiler pressure
The pressure should be between 1-2 on the gauge. Anything below this is considered low and can mean that your boiler won’t fire up properly. Low pressure isn’t necessarily damaging to your boiler, but it can cause you to waste money and lower its efficiency.
Kettling
Though a fairly common issue, you might ask what is kettling? If you hear popping, bubbling or whistling coming from your boiler and sounds like someone cooking in the kitchen – talk about easy warning signs! It could be an indication of there being buildup of grime and limescale inside the heat exchanger. What are some other symptoms to take note of? One sound that could warn us is when we hear our boiler making noise similar to a kettle, especially if it’s tucked away in a cupboard.
Gas leak
Gas leaks are a home emergency. If you smell gas, call for professionals immediately! Corrosion and wear and tear can be common causes of gas leaks during installation. Gas is also dangerous, as it can cause significant damage with potentially deadly consequences if not dealt with in time by trained professionals.
Carbon monoxide leak
Another deadly gas leak to watch out for. This time it’s colourless, odourless and tasteless- making it difficult to detect! Common signs that indicate a carbon monoxide leak include your boiler struggling with staying lit or not turning on, dark staining on appliances such as the fridge and condensation on windows.
We recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in every room containing fuel-burning devices like an oven or heater. Carbon monoxide might lead to long term health problems in addition to being fatal if you think your boilers are leaking CO2 into your home. If you suspect this is happening, switch off the main power source at once before evacuating from the premises and calling a heating engineer.
Water leak
Leaking water from a boiler can be caused by pressure issues, cracks and loose joints. It could also be dangerous as the water inside your boiler is heated to around 70 degrees Celsius when it escapes, which would cause burns if spilled on floors of laminate flooring or elsewhere. It’s important to look out for leaks and call an expert in order to fix this issue before it becomes worse.
Final Words
Boilers are a necessary component of any home or business. Boilers that are properly maintained will continue to operate efficiently and effectively. If your boiler is not performing as it should, consider contracting a professional to perform a thorough boiler service – it may help you avoid a costly boiler replacement and ensure years of safe, efficient operation.
