Most homeowners know that it’s important to have their boilers regularly serviced. As the days get shorter and colder, we want our homes to be cosy, warm spaces where we can relax. However, life is also busy and it can be easy for the date of your next boiler service to come and go without you realising.
Let’s start by saying that if you’re not sure when you last had your boiler serviced, now is probably the time to book a boiler service in Crystal Palace, or wherever you live, to make sure your heating system is fit for the winter.
But what are the top signs that your boiler needs servicing or is in need of repair?
No heat or hot water
At this time of year, you’re likely to be searching for emergency boiler repair engineers in your area as soon as the heating fails to come on or you can’t get hot water out of your taps. This is a surefire sign that you need to have your boiler serviced (and likely repaired).
It’s also a sign that you’re not likely to miss, so we won’t dwell too long on it!
Leaks or drips
How easy it is to spot leaks or drips from your boiler will depend on where it’s located. But if you notice any water around your boiler, or you see damp patches, it’s important that you call in a professional to check it and service it.
Even if there aren’t any leaks, rust patches can develop in older boilers where the metal becomes corroded. These can lead to leaks if they’re left to their own devices, so if you see any signs of corrosion, get on the phone and book a boiler service as soon as possible.
Strange noises coming from your boiler or radiators
Any noise coming from your boiler is a sign that it needs a service – or that your heating system could require another form of maintenance like a power flush. If you can hear banging noises in your boiler, this may be a sign that limescale has built up on the boiler’s heat exchanger.
This can cause your boiler to overheat and therefore means it’s not performing at its optimum level. Gurgling sounds, meanwhile, may be a sign that some air is trapped in your heating system that needs releasing.
It could also mean that there is a buildup of sludge in your radiators that needs cleaning out, which is what a power flush will do.
Radiators taking a long time to heat up
If your radiators take a long time to heat up once your heating is turned on, this can be a sign that there is some form of restriction or blockage in your heating system.
Often a power flush will fix the issue, as this will remove any debris and sludge that is preventing the hot water from circulating as it should.
Radiators not getting hot
In some cases, you radiators might be getting warm, but not hot. Or you may notice that only the bottom section of the radiator is getting hot, while the top part remains cool. This is typically caused by one of two factors – air trapped in the system or a build up of sludge.
Regardless of which problem is causing the issue, the outcome is the same – uneven distribution of heat throughout your system. A power flush will often help, or you may need to bleed your radiators to let excess air out of the system.
Your boiler keeps switching itself off
When you are trying to keep your home warm in the winter, a boiler going on the blink and working sometimes but not others is frustrating. If you notice that your boiler is turning itself off, it could be due to low water pressure, a problem with your thermostat or the pump not circulating water properly within the system.
A loss of pressure can happen for various reasons, including due to a leak or a faulty pressure relief valve. If you have bled your radiators yourself, this can sometimes cause a loss of pressure in your boiler too.
When it comes to your thermostat, it’s best to check that you haven’t accidentally altered its settings before assuming that it needs replacing. If, however, after checking that it is set as intended you are still having issues, it’s time to call in a professional gas engineer to take a look.
It is best practice to have your boiler serviced once a year, so if you know that it’s been a while since a professional took a look at your central heating system, maybe it’s time to book in a boiler service to give you peace of mind over the winter.