If you want to convince yourself that summer will never end, just think back to the significant weather changes over the past few years and the problems they brought about. Before you’re prepared to put the heat back on, take a few quick precautions to prevent some of the frequent issues that can arise as summer gives way to fall.
We must make sure we are well-prepared for anything because it is well accepted that climate change is to blame for the rising frequency of weather extremes.
When you switch on the heating for the first time in the fall after turning it off all spring and summer, this is one of the seasons when boiler problems are most prevalent. Being prepared now will reduce the possibility that something will malfunction when you most need it.
These are things you can do.
1. Start your heating right away (for a short while).
In spite of the fact that it may seem counterintuitive to turn on the heating for a few minutes once or twice a month throughout the spring and summer, doing so benefits your boiler by keeping all of its components in good working order and highlighting any potential issues at a time when it is most convenient to address them.
2. Inspect and bleed all radiators.
Overly air-trapped radiators won’t function as well in the cold but will still use the same amount of energy. By turning on the heating and observing how uniformly they heat, you may decide if yours are damaged and whether it is desirable to periodically bleed them. After checking them out, switch them on fully before lowering the temperature to an autumn-appropriate level. They need bleeding if they just heat from the bottom rather than the top. Follow these simple instructions to complete it. A powerflush is suggested because cold patches might be an indication of sludge in the system.
3. Set up boiler maintenance.
It’s a good idea to have your boiler serviced before deciding to switch on the heating once more. It denotes a thorough examination of all of your functional components and set-ups, allowing for the immediate repair of any trouble places, such as sludge buildup. Everything works out because having your boiler serviced in the summer is less expensive.
4. Examine the exterior plumbing.
A frequent issue is pipes freezing when the temperature drops. The condensate line in your boiler is the same in this regard. Each joint should be examined for weak places and evidence of degeneration, and any that exhibit either should be replaced or repaired. To further protect the pipes from the cold, you should lag them. Any home improvement store can laminate, and since frozen pipes can cause floods and boiler failures, it makes perfect sense to do this right now. If your pipes are already slow, just see if they are still capable; if not, replace them.
5. Consider the tap stops.
As soon as a leak or flood occurs, the water supply should be stopped at the stop tap. It is never a good idea to find out during a crisis that anything is either a) challenging to reach or b) challenging to turn. Find your stop tap right away, and make sure it spins easily. You’ll be happy you did this if the roof starts to leak water. If it is difficult to reach or turn, think about installing a Sure Stop, a remote stop tap that can be put in a more practical location and is operated by a simple switch.
Make sure the supply line for your outside tap has a separate stop tap or valve so you can shut it off while you’re working on it if required. Simply said, this implies that if a pipe freezes and a joint bursts, you won’t need to turn off the supply to the entire house. Consider giving it a finish if it doesn’t have one by winter.
6. The carbon monoxide detector should be checked.
Fortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning is uncommon, so if you maintain your gas appliances correctly by getting them serviced by a Gas Safe specialist, you shouldn’t need to worry too much. However, it is still possible, and turning on the heating in the fall could put you in danger if your boiler’s chimney is obstructed. Every house ought to have a CO sensor that can notify you of any gas leaks. Test your battery, if you have one, to make sure everything is in working order. You should definitely get one if you don’t already have one.
These safety measures can help you save money, prevent expensive and inconvenient boiler breakdowns, lessen damage in an emergency situation, and even save your life. They are all merely precautions of common sense. Definitely worth a few hours of your time right now.
