As the days of summer seem to have disappeared, thoughts of preparation for the autumn and winter seasons won’t be far from homeowners’ minds. The last thing anyone wants is to be left without central heating at a critical time – therefore being prepared for the colder months ahead can be crucial.
According to the Met Office, 2022 was the UK’s warmest year on record overall. However, it also included a prolonged spell of cold and snowy weather in December. This was one of the most significant cold snaps since December 2010.
The importance of being prepared for the colder months should not be overlooked, neither should a well-maintained and efficient heating system. Darran Smith, technical manager for home heating expert Alpha, has compiled the top eight questions homeowners are asking and offers invaluable insights into boiler servicing, energy efficiency, repairs and general maintenance tips.
1. How often should I have my boiler serviced and when is the best time to do this?
Ideally, you should have your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is running efficiently and safely. The best time to do this is usually in the summer when heating engineers are less busy. Regular servicing can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the system.
2. What temperature should my combi-boiler be set at?
The optimal temperature setting for a combi-boiler depends on the specific requirements of your household and also boiler. However, the ideal temperature is to set it at 65ºC. Keep in mind that higher temperatures can lead to increased energy consumption and lower temperatures may not provide sufficient hot water or heating. Setting it at 65ºC will ensure the boiler is operating efficiently.
3. What should I do if my boiler loses pressure?
Firstly, it’s important to investigate the cause and address it immediately. Be sure to check for:
- Visible leaks: inspect your boiler and associated pipework for any signs of water leaks.
- Bleed radiators: air trapped in the radiators can cause pressure loss. Bleeding your radiators can release the trapped air and help restore the pressure.
- Consult a professional: if unsure of the problem, it’s always best to seek professional assistance from a qualified heating engineer.
4. How can I improve the energy efficiency of my heating system/home in preparation for the A/W?
There are several ways and one is to ensure that the home is properly insulated. It’s also good to seal off any drafts and have the boiler serviced regularly. By also installing smart tech controls that allow for different settings at different times of the day, you will have full control over the heating and optimise energy usage.
5. How can I prevent my pipes from freezing during winter?
To prevent pipes from freezing, be sure to insulate them with pipe lagging or foam tubes. Additionally, keeping the heating on at a constant low temperature in colder weather will help to keep the pipes and your home warmer for longer. Sealing any drafts can also help prevent pipes freezing.
6. What should I do if my boiler breaks down?
The first step is to check if it’s a simple issue like a power outage or a tripped fuse. If those are not the problem, it’s always best contact a qualified heating engineer to diagnose and fix the issue – and never attempt to fix it yourself.
7. Will turning my water off affect my boiler?
Turning off the water supply will not damage the boiler. Many worry that it’s like boiling a kettle with no water in – but that’s simply not the case. Most boilers will have sensors and controls that prevent the boiler from becoming damaged due to a lack of water. However, even though no damage is likely to occur, we don’t advise switching off the water supply as it could lead to further issues, a broken immersion heater in a hot water tank or low boiler pressure which can’t be topped up till the water is flowing again.
8. What is a hydrogen-ready boiler and do I need to get one?
For those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance the efficiency of their heating and hot water system, one consideration is hydrogen. This is something the government is exploring in a bid to reach net-zero by 2050.
As the boilers in our homes are designed to run on 100% natural gas, all Alpha boilers are 20% hydrogen-ready should this clean and sustainable energy source come into play. However, switching to a 100% use of hydrogen gas for heating and hot water production in homes may be a long way off. Therefore, our advice is that homeowners don’t need to go out and buy a new hydrogen-ready boiler right now. But if they do decide to replace an older boiler in the next year to five years, then it is worth speaking to the installer about a hydrogen-ready option.
To find a registered engineer and more information about boiler servicing visit www.alpha-innovation.co.uk.
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