If your boiler is not as efficient as it could be you are very likely to waste precious cash on keeping your home warm.
British Gas urge Britons to keep their boiler, whether it is a combi boiler or a gas boiler, on top form.
Having the most efficient boiler can save you hundreds of pounds. The Energy Saving Trust revealed that changing your boiler from a G efficiency rating to an A rating can save you £340 a year on your gas bill.
Yesterday, Express.co.uk reported whether it is cheaper to turn the heating on and off or to leave it on low during the day.
So how can you make sure your boiler is working properly?
Bleed radiators
Releasing air from your radiators ensures the whole heating system is working properly.
Excess air in the raptors will waste money as it means the boiler has to work harder to heat your home to the temperate desired.
Don’t cover your boiler
RJ Gas Appliances Limited – a repairs and installations company – informs customers on its website that Brits should never cover their boiler.
It is vital to keep air vents open, as well as ventilation grills.
It is also important to make sure the area around the boiler is clear, so don’t crowd it with coats or other clutter.
Clean the outside of your boiler
Keeping the outside of your boiler clean avoids the build up of dust, residue, and anything else that might affect the smooth running of your boiler.
General advice would see homeowners or tenants use a damp cloth to wipe the boiler clean, then dry it with a new cloth.
You should not attempt to clean the inside of your boiler – leave this for a professional.
Look for these warning signs
If the levels on your boiler that indicate temperature, water level and pressure have changed suddenly it is likely you have a broken part, which will cause your boiler to run much less efficiently.
If the flame in your boiler is smokey or any colour other than blue there is also likely tone something wrong.
Strange noises and signs of soot could be a sign that your boiler is running less efficiently.
Get your boiler serviced
British Gas say on their website: “Regular boiler servicing is vital to ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently.”
Getting your boiler serviced annually is the best idea. During a maintenance service your boiler will be tested to make sure all components are working, that it is clean and any parts that aren’t functioning properly can be replaced.
Avoid a frozen boiler
If your boiler becomes frozen it will cut out. To correct this you need to lag the pipes.
USwitch offer advice for how to do this, and suggest: “The best thing to do is to place a hot water bottle on the pipe, or pour warm water on it and then reset your thermostat.
“Alternatively you can boil a kettle and pour the boiling water over your pipes. You may need to do this a few times to properly thaw them though. This might take awhile, but it will help keep your boiler service cost low.”