How To Prepare Your Boiler For The Winter & Save Money
If you are looking for ways to ensure you breeze through a comfortable winter, then the first thing that you need to look into is the condition of your boiler.
Now if your boiler has been poorly maintained, and you do nothing about it, then you are risking the chance of it breaking down in the middle of the coldest months.
On top of that, you will also experience voided warranties too.
Make sure you avoid this kind of situation by following some simple steps.
If you want to make sure that your boiler is operating at an optimal level, then here are some things you need to review before the winter season is upon us.
- Make sure to turn the boiler on before the winter comes knocking on your door
- Make sure to check for any unusual noises, leaks, or error codes
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the area around your boiler
- Make sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed
- Make sure not to skip the annual boiler maintenance appointment with a professional
This is the minimal preparation you will need if you want to make sure your boiler is working properly, not just this winter, but for many upcoming winters as well.
Turn The Boiler On Before Winter
It does not matter if it is hot or cold outside, it is always considered good practice to give your boiler a test run before you turn it on for the winter.
Test it out for about 15 or 20 minutes.
This is often a recommended practice so you can see the pressure system of your boiler.
Boilers rely on water and air pressure.
Nevertheless, not using them for a long period may lead to a decreased level of pressure in the boiler.
This results in the water not being heated properly, or fast enough.
The pressure issue can be fixed very easily.
The important aspect here is the timing. As soon as you uncover that there is an issue with the pressure in your boiler, the better it will be for you and the rest of the members of your family.
Check For Unusual Noises, Leaks, Error Codes
This is a very important step since it will ensure you if your boiler is working properly or not.
Unusual Noises – note that it is not an uncommon practice for the boiler to release strange sounds every once in a while.
After all, it is a working appliance and this is only part of the process.
However, if you start noticing some unusual sounds, this might mean that some water has started to build up in the boiler because of the natural minerals that have been building up too.
If you notice that your boiler is having a difficult time releasing water, then it might be time for a professional to come and take a look at the issue.
Leaks – if you notice that the pressure in your boiler has significantly decreased, you may be dealing with a water leak on your hands.
Try to look for some wet spots around your boiler. If you feel like something is off, then it might be time to call a professional boiler repair company to fix it or replace it.
Error codes – if you have a newer boiler, then you are already aware that they come with displays that can indicate the pressure levels, the current temperature, and any other issues you might have with your boiler.
If you have a display and a newer boiler at home, make sure to check it annually for any error codes.
Your display might let you know in case something is off, but just to be on the safe side, make sure to have a professional check it.
Thoroughly Clean The Area Around Your Boiler
When the boiler is in use, make sure to clean the area around it and keep the space unobstructed.
If you have been piling up boxes, furniture, cleaning supplies, or anything else, this might obstruct the work of the boiler.
So, before winter comes, make sure to remove everything that is standing in the way.
Also, it is good practice to check if the air vents are clean too.
If they happen to be obstructed by anything, make sure to thoroughly clean them too.
The accumulated dust and dirt can do a lot of harm, so it is always good to be on top of the situation and clean everything out before winter comes.
Have A Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed
If you are dealing with a gas boiler, this is a step that you should not skip under any circumstances.
The carbon monoxide detector should be installed near your boiler.
During the combustion process, the heat exchanger of the boiler can emit some poisonous fumes, including this deadly odourless gas.
As the law states, all gas boilers need to have proper ventilation set in place.
In the event of a leak, the carbon monoxide detector will go off and you can avoid experiencing accidental poisoning.
If by any chance you already have this installed, all you need to do is check if the batteries need changing or not.
This will only take a few minutes out of your time but is a crucial step that will keep your home safe.
Don’t Skip The Annual Boiler Maintenance Appointment With A Professional Boiler Company
Of course, one of the best ways to make sure your boiler is working properly is to give it the annual tune-up it needs!
Once you get in touch with trained HVAC technicians and set up an appointment, you know that you should be good to go.
They will have the chance to inspect every single detail and repair any minor issues they find along the way. If you are covered by a warranty, this is even better!
If you want to make sure that your boiler is working properly, these are the best steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your boiler and save money.
If you have any questions about our article "Ways To Prepare Your Boiler For The Winter" or energy efficient system upgrades, feel free to call us at 416-543-0641 or chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.
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