5 Ways to Maintain Your Heating
Now the weather is starting to get colder it is always a good idea to make sure your heating systems are working efficiently and correctly, I find it comforting to have a list prepared of heating engineers near me should the need arise. These 5 tips to maintaining your heating are a good start to making sure your home is as warm and safe this winter.
Checking Radiators
Checking radiators is a great way to maintain your heating. This is especially useful when you haven’t been using your radiators or having your heating on for some time. Bleeding your radiators will mean that the radiators can heat up correctly and not have any air in them. This is easy to do but if in doubt ask a professional to come and have a look for you. This should be done before the cold weather sets in and you need to use them to heat your home.
Pipe Lagging
Pipe lagging is a special type of insulation fitted around water pipes. It will keep heat within the said pipes and therefore will save you money on energy bills. It also prevents pipes from freezing and bursting in the extremely colder weather too. Lagging will also prevent old pipes forming condensation on them. Pipes that should be lagged are the ones in the airing cupboard, next to the boiler and the hot water tank, under the sink, behind the bath panel, central heating pipes. So generally, any hot water pipes carrying water from your boiler or cylinder to your hot water taps. Water pipes in the loft are at risk of freezing or bursting so they should be lagged. Also, pipes leading to outside taps should be lagged too.
Boiler Pressure
Something that needs to be checked too is your boiler pressure. This can affect your heating and hot water if it is at the wrong pressure. A drop in pressure could be because of bleeding your radiators or a leak. This should be done by a professional as it is quite a complicated system and if your radiators need bleeding again the water is extremely hot so a professional would be aware of this.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Safety is a very important point in maintaining your heating. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common fatal air poisoning in many countries. It affects thousands of people a year. According to Andy from Home Glow Gas Services “Carbon monoxide is a killer and carbon monoxide alarms can be bought and installed cheaply. A very small price to pay for your life and that of your families too. “ They can be installed like your smoke alarms so very easy to install.
Place Boiler on a Timer
Your boiler should be set to suit your household. Using a timer is best as your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off and to keep your home to the temperature you set it according to the energy saving trust. This will give you the maximum benefit of your heating and of course the costs too. You can pre-set your heating and hot water to come on at times that is suitable to you and your family’s needs.