Your boiler works hardest when you notice it least. A few simple habits between annual services can prevent breakdowns, keep your gas bills down and keep your family safe.
1. Book an annual service
An annual service by an RGI registered engineer catches small faults before they become expensive breakdowns — and most manufacturers require it to keep your warranty valid.
2. Keep the pressure right
Check the pressure gauge every month or so. Most boilers are happiest between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it keeps dropping, something is leaking and it's time to call an engineer.
3. Bleed your radiators
Cold spots at the top of a radiator mean trapped air. Bleeding them takes two minutes and helps the whole system heat up faster.
4. Don't ignore strange noises
Banging, gurgling or whistling (often called "kettling") usually means limescale or sludge in the system. It won't fix itself, and it gets more expensive the longer it's left.
5. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. An audible alarm near your boiler is cheap, takes minutes to fit, and could save a life.
The bottom line
Look after your boiler and it will look after you. If anything seems off — noises, smells, dropping pressure — get it checked before it becomes an emergency.