Replacing a boiler can be an expensive outlay, so you'll want to ensure you are doing all you can to maintain your boiler and extend its lifetime for as long as possible.
Read on for our top three boiler maintenance tips:
Prevent freezing pipes
One of the main reasons boiler problems can arise is that the pipes freeze, leading to the system getting blocked up and building pressure within the boiler itself.
During the coldest times of the year it is recommended to at least have the heating on for a couple of hours a day to prevent freezing and if you're leaving your home on holiday, or even to visit friends and family for a few days, you'll need to put the heating on a timer.
If you don't, you could come home to freezing pipes and a broken boiler - a nightmare scenario.
Even during the summer months it is better to put the heating on every now and again to make sure the system is running smoothly. Even though energy bills are a concern for all of us these days, the cost of your heating is going to be much less than replacing a broken boiler.
Regular services
One of the most obvious boiler maintenance tips is probably the most pertinent - get it checked on a regular basis by a professional you trust. Ask friends and family to recommend someone they have got in to check their boiler so you are reassured they know what they are doing.
Boilers should be checked every 12 months at the absolute minimum, though you probably want to get yours checked a few weeks before winter so any issues can be dealt with before the temperatures plunge to below freezing.
Failure to get your boiler checked regularly means it's much more likely to break down, potentially landing you with an extremely costly repair bill, so this is something you need to keep on top of.
Know the manual
It might be boring, but the boiler is one of the most important things in your home so you need to make sure you know how it works.
When you first move into your home, or have a new boiler installed, it's well worth taking some time to read through the boiler's manual to get clued up on how it operates. This might even give you the skills and knowledge to fix a small issue yourself rather than calling someone in.
Being able to lay your hands on the manual in an emergency is vital, so keep it somewhere safe you'll be able to get it quickly. And if you do lose your manual, you'll be able to order a replacement from the manufacturer.
By taking our top three boiler maintenance tips seriously, you'll increase your chances of avoiding a boiler breakdown in your home, potentially saving yourself a small fortune.
© Axonn 2015