The weather has definitely cooled. It’s that time of year my boiler is working its hardest. Early afternoon till late evening the heating is on. Apparently, boilers are most likely to breakdown in winter. Which kind of makes senses really because that’s when they are getting used most regularly. So now is the time to ask yourself is your boiler winter ready?

The suggestions below will help keep your boiler working through the cold snap. If your boiler isn’t properly maintained, it can become dangerous.

Insulate Pipes

Pipes can freeze when the temperature drops below freezing. Make sure they are insulated especially external pipes (such as the condensate pipe). The cost of doing this is relatively small compared to having to call out a plumber. If you didn’t insulate the condensate pipe in time you can defrost it using warm water (not boiling hot) from a kettle, once thawed you can then consider insulation.

Yearly Boiler Service

Always make sure you book your yearly boiler service with a company like Bishops Boiler Repairs with qualified staff. They can check if there are any safety issues or leaks, check the pressure and give the components a clean, lime scale can soon build up. It’s best not to attempt to clean the inside of the boiler yourself. But you can keep on top of the dust that collects on the outside and give it a wipe down safely enough.

If you don’t book it yearly its likely you will break the terms of your warranty, which could be a more expensive mistake in the long run.

Bleed You Radiators

This is essential to stop your boiler having to work as hard. This reminds me I better get my husband to do this tonight! It’s good that you can do jobs like this without needing to call on a plumber for help. Aim to bleed the radiators at least once a year.

Give The Boiler Space

Your boiler needs to have plenty of ventilation! I feel a little bit guilty here as I am not following my own advice. Our boiler room is also the junk room. It is full of all kinds from the BBQ to fishing rods and a metal detector. I will make sure I have a bit of a sort at the weekend.

Getting A New Boiler What To Consider For The Future

It’s likely in the future we will need new boilers especially with climate pledges. Here are some things to think about that might also help your boiler is winter ready.

Siphon Trap

This is something to consider when you get your next boiler. If you have one of these installed your pipes are less likely to freeze because water is released in one go. Compared to a condensate water release which comes out continually over time.

Pipework Changes

Try and minimize the amount of external pipework so you do not have to worry about freezing as much as you did before. Also, black pipes can work quite well they can absorb any heat from the sun depending on where they are situated.  Think about the placement of any new pipes, ideally, they should be quite steep, so water goes through them quickly to stop it pooling and freezing.

Adding A Trace

If the temperature regularly falls below freezing, then you could consider adding a trace – which gives a small electrical charge that warms the pipework. It is an efficient way to provide your pipes with frost protection. Just make sure you cover the pipework and heating element after installing.