The average lifespan of a boiler is between 10 and 15 years – but this is of course dependent on how much you use it and the attention you’ve given it.
In most cases, boilers pack in after just 9 or 10 years, and having a new one installed can cost upwards of £4,000.
The cost alone is a terrifying thought, not to mention the disruption it would cause to your daily routine – which is why we should be looking after our boilers as much as possible.
90% of the time, it comes down to this: the more you take care of your boiler, the longer it will last.
But how exactly do you maintain a boiler? Here’s everything you need to know.
Get it serviced
Having your boiler serviced annually is the best opportunity to check that everything is working as it should (and ensure your general safety, of course).
Any potential issues will be diagnosed early before they become a larger and costlier problem.
It goes without saying that an annual boiler service must only be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer, as you’re legally not permitted to carry out a boiler service by yourself.
For this service, you can expect to pay anywhere between £60-£120. The price depends on the type of boiler you have, the area you live in, and the engineer you choose.
Bleed your radiators
Often, air can get trapped in your radiators, which can cause them to not heat up properly and put more pressure on your boiler in turn.
Bleeding them regularly releases the air and keeps your boiler working as efficiently as possible.
This is something you can easily do by yourself in a few simple steps:
- Make sure the heating is off and the radiators are cold.
- Hold an old cloth or jug under the bleed valve and insert the bleed key.
- Turn anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing noise. This is the air escaping.
- When water starts to escape, turn the key clockwise to re-tighten the valve.
- Repeat on other radiators you feel need your attention, making your way back towards the boiler.
- Turn your heating back on to check your radiators are heating as they should.
Turn it on in the summer
You may be thinking this is pointless, but most modern boilers actually have a ‘summer setting’, in which only hot water is needed.
Because a boiler is such an advanced piece of equipment, it won’t benefit from being left unused for such a long period of time.
Although working when hot water is needed, it is recommended that you give your central heating system a little run-through every so often during the summer months to keep it ticking over.
J-type Thermocouples could help
If you need a way to monitor your heating system, K-type thermocouples are the ideal solution.
With a K-type thermocouple, you’ll be able to see if your boiler is still working efficiently and organise any repairs if necessary – keeping your boiler in full working order.
Luckily, there are lots of reputable suppliers online, like Cartridge Heaters, where you can purchase the highest quality K-type thermocouples.
Get in touch with them today for more information or to place an order.
