Whilst we’re not heavily reliant on our central heating systems in the summer, they become increasingly important to both individuals and businesses as temperatures begin to plummet. There’s nothing better than coming back to a warm and toasty home after a chilly commute and when it comes to work, there are regulations in place regarding optimum temperatures. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 stipulate that an employer must maintain a minimum temperature of 16 degrees in the workplace, or 13 degrees if employees are required to engage in considerable physical activity.
Not only can extreme temperatures affect our mood and productivity, but they can also pose a significant health risk and with this in mind, the importance of central heating services should not be underestimated. However, whether you have a conventional boiler or a combi system, it can be difficult to know when servicing is required. Certain noises may seem harmless initially, but this could actually be a sign of a much bigger problem that should be seen to by a professional. It may also be that your boiler is on a slow decline, something that’s very difficult to monitor and usually only becomes apparent when the system suddenly breaks down.
When it comes to central heating, being caught unawares by a seemingly out of the blue problem is a nuisance to say the least. So, to ensure you have a system that functions optimally all year round, we’ve made a list of five signs that it may be time to enlist the help of central heating experts.
Boiler on the blink
Whilst it may seem obvious that a faulty boiler requires professional attention, it can sometimes be difficult to know when your boiler is on the blink. If it breaks down altogether it will undoubtedly need repairing or replacing- but what are some other telltale signs that your boiler is in need of some TLC?
Popping or banging sounds
If you hear popping or banging sounds coming from your boiler, this is likely a sign of kettling. When your boiler experiences a build-up of limescale and debris, this restricts the flow of water through the heat exchanger, causing the water in the heat exchanger to boil and evaporate into steam. This, in turn, puts a lot of pressure on the pipes as well as the heat exchanger, which is what causes the unpleasant noises. When this pressure becomes too much, it can cause the heat exchanger to rupture and the boiler will inevitably break down.
As previously mentioned, noises can often seem fairly insignificant, however, they could be a sign of a much bigger problem. So, to prevent your boiler from breaking down, it’s essential to have it checked by a professional when you first start to pick up on unusual noises. Typically, a central heating engineer will power flush your system to remove the excess debris and limescale, giving your boiler a new lease of life.
Spike in energy bills
A spike in energy bills is often a telltale sign that your boiler is operating inefficiently, and with this in mind, it may be time for a replacement. Whilst it could simply be that a dip in temperature is causing you to become more reliant on your boiler, it may be worth monitoring your usage for a few months and if something doesn’t quite add up, it’s time to call in the professionals. A central heating engineer will be able to analyse your boiler’s efficiency and if it’s not functioning optimally, they may advise that a replacement is the most cost-effective option.
Water leak
If you notice that your boiler is leaking water, no matter how big or small the leak is, you should always contact a professional. This is likely a sign that an internal component has broken and if left to exacerbate, this could lead to an electrical short-circuit and a significant leak could also cause structural damage to your property. So, as soon as you notice any water, it’s essential to find a plumber near you as they will have the tools, equipment and spare parts needed to repair the broken element.
Outdated system? Opt for boiler replacement services
As a general rule, if your boiler is more than a decade old, it may be time to start shopping for its replacement. After all, while these systems are designed with longevity in mind, they can’t last forever, and a boiler that’s 10+ years old is unlikely to be functioning at optimum efficiency.
Further to this, if you’ve required replacement parts for your boiler in the past and your engineer has struggled to find them, this is also a definite indication that your boiler has become outdated. If parts are difficult to locate, this could cause the cost of any future boiler repairs to skyrocket, meaning it may well be a more cost-effective option to have your boiler replaced with a newer model by a professional in the industry.
Updating your central heating system with new features
Whilst a boiler replacement is sometimes the best option, there are ways to modernise a central heating system. With the prices of energy rising on a fairly regular basis, many home and business owners are looking for ways to reduce their energy usage, and the implementation of heating controls is the perfect way to do this. Installations such as thermostats and timers give you the power to control the temperature of your home, as well as schedule when you want your heating and hot water to turn on and off. You may even be able to control your boiler via your smartphone or tablet by utilising smart heating controls.
Not only can features such as thermostats and timers help you reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also help you manage your energy usage more efficiently, thereby saving you money on your bills. So, if you’d like to modernise your central heating system by implementing some new features, you can rely on an expert in the business.
A central heating engineer will be able to advise on which controls best suit your requirements and once you’ve settled on some new features, these can be installed quickly by a professional. Further to this, a heating specialist will be well-placed to offer suggestions on how to make the most of these features, ensuring you get good value for money.
Amendments to pipework
Tinkering with pipework can be extremely dangerous for those without the relevant knowledge or skills. With this in mind, it’s always worth contacting a heating engineer for any pipework amendments or services. Perhaps your boiler is being moved to a different area of the house, or maybe it’s not operating as it once did and requires inspection. Whatever the circumstances, it’s essential to let an expert in the business deal with your pipework as they will know how to handle it safely and will be well-versed in processes such as rerouting pipes.
Additionally, pipework will usually be thoroughly inspected as part of a boiler service. So, if you have any doubts about the state of your pipework, it’s preferable to simply have your boiler serviced by a pro rather than putting yourself at risk by tampering with it on your own.
It’s been a while
Finally, if it’s been a while since your boiler was last inspected by a professional, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and contact a specialist. Many energy companies recommend that a boiler should be serviced at least once a year to ensure it’s functioning at optimum efficiency, and if not, the relevant repairs can be seen to straight away.
When your boiler seems to be functioning seamlessly day in, day out, it can be easy to let servicing slide, however, it’s an extremely important part of maintaining your boiler’s health. As mentioned previously, it can be difficult to tell when a boiler is deteriorating and it’s often the case that home and business owners only realise something is wrong when the system finally gives up the ghost. However, having your boiler serviced regularly will prevent small fixable issues spiralling into costly repairs. Further to this, it will significantly increase your boiler’s lifespan, ensuring it continues to last for years to come.
Prestige Plumbers: central heating engineers in Southampton on hand to tackle all of your plumbing woes
At Prestige Plumbers, we supply a broad range of plumbing services to both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you require a routine inspection or complex plumbing repairs, our trained team of experts will see to it that your systems are functioning exactly as they should.
As we draw closer to winter, it’s essential for your central heating to be operating at optimum efficiency and at Prestige Plumbers, we will do all we can to ensure this is the case.
To discuss boiler replacement costs with a member of our team, or to simply find out more about our expertise, contact us today and get your home winter-ready with Prestige Plumbers.
