There is a reason why boiler breakdowns are much higher in the winter months. In winter your heating is on full blast, usually for the first time in a number of months and niggling problems that were easy to overlook early autumn can quickly turn into critical maintenance faults. Why are boilers more likely to break during the winter and what can you do?
Greater demand places stress on components
During the winter months, boilers operate longer and have more frequently cycling on/off periods. This extra workload can reveal more ware on the pumps, fans, diverter valves (combi boilers only) and sensors. Cold weather is when a part that’s already on its way out typically reveals itself.
Service annually before winter so you don’t need this help and risk. If you hear some new noises from your boiler, it takes longer to heat up or is losing pressure then don’t wait for the complete shutdown.
Today, however, virtually all modern boilers are condensing types that turn much of the potential energy in gas into heat. These create larger amounts of (cool) flue gases and more compact boiler units tend to have only a small drain for removal or venting away.
Mitigate your risk: check with an engineer to confirm that you have the correct size and type of insulation on your condensate pipe. If temperatures plummet then use low heat overnight to make sure that pipes don’t freeze.
Low pressure and system issues
Cold temperature will expose any lack of pressure, leaks or circulation issues. Pressure is not consistent, as the system warms up and cools. Having the boiler on all day can make a small leak become more obvious.
Lower the risk: keep an eye on your boiler pressure, read it periodically (your guide will provide you with a median). If you keep having to top up the pressure, that should be a red flag telling you it’s time for an engineer. Persistent loss of water in your system is not “just one of those things”. For Boiler Replacement Cheltenham, visit www.blu-fish.co.uk/gas-heating-services-cheltenham/new-boilers-cheltenham
Sludge and blocked components
As heating systems age, sludge (a combination of rust and debris) starts to accumulate. Under heavy use, that sludge can clog up pipework to restrict flow and cause cold spots on radiators as well-as putting unnecessary strain on your boiler.
If radiators are cold at their base, have them bled. While bleeding radiators can solve trapped air, sludge is an entirely different issue that might require a power flush.
Preparation is key. Pre-winter maintenance, regular pressure checks and early detection of minor alerts will go a long way to preventing any boiler emergencies come mid winter.