How to Avoid a Boiler Breakdown during Winter

19 September 2024

There is nothing worse than a boiler breakdown during winter, especially in the colder months. Here we have some helpful tips to help avoid costly boiler repairs or central heating breakdown during winter.

How to prevent boiler breakdown this winter?

Whilst boilers may look pretty simple, they contain many internal parts and components that work together to bring you heating and hot water. If your boiler stops working, or breaks down, this can in turn have your household without heating or hot water. The colder weather can increase the risk of your pipes freezing that are external. It is important to have your boiler checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you haven’t had a boiler service recently, you can follow our top recommendations to prevent your boiler breaking down.

Have your boiler serviced

Book your boiler service with a fully Gas Safe registered engineer. Having a boiler service booked in before winter can prevent possible breakdown as the engineer can find any underlying issues whilst doing a thorough boiler inspection. This in turn can save on costly boiler boiler repairs in the future when you least expect them. An annual boiler service generally costs around £80 – £100. AWP Boiler Installations service package are one of the more affordable and fair on the market.

Secure your property from draughts

Winter proofing your home can help maintain some warmth. Draught proofing involves sealing gaps in windows and walls, maybe consider thicker curtains, use draught excluders. This can help heating your home during the winter months.

Insulate the condensate pipe for your boiler

One of our biggest and best tips is to insulate your boiler pipes, especially the condensate pipe. The condense pipe is possibly the most common pipe to freeze, especially if this has been installed incorrectly. Have your condense pipe checked by one of our fully trained Gas Safe registered engineers. How To Thaw A Frozen Condensate Pipe And Prevent It From Freezing.

Bleed your radiators

If your radiators are not working properly, this can be due to trapped air in the system. Using a radiator key to release the air can allow your heating to circulate and work more efficiently. How To Bleed A Radiator.

Check your boiler pressure

If your central heating system takes a long time to heat up or is not heating up properly, there could be an issue with the pressure in the system. When the heating is cool the gauge should read between 1 – 1.5 bar. If this is lower you need to top up the pressure in the system. You can contact us at AWP Boiler Installations if you need one of our Gas Safe heating engineers to attend and rectify this issue with your boiler. How To Repressurise A Central Heating System.

Power flush your system

Hard water areas can be problematic for your gas boiler and central heating system. Also a lack of inhibitor in your system can be a big potential issue, as this can lead to blockages in your central heating system and pipework. Power flushing can entirely flush out the old sludged water from your system, making your boiler work more efficiently. Once completing the power flushing, refilling the central heating system with inhibitor is imperative to protect your boiler installations and radiators.

Consider upgrading your boiler

If your boiler is nearing the end of its useful life, you may want to consider replacing it with more efficient, economical, new boiler installations. AWP Boiler Installations are experts when it comes to replacement boilers. So if you are interested in a new boiler replacement in the areas we cover, we are here to help.

Frequently repaired or replaced boiler parts

Boilers contain several parts that may need to be repaired or replaced over time due to wear and tear. Below is a list of possible and common parts to be replaced in your boiler:

The Fan - makes sure exhaust gasses are safely removed.
Gas Valve - controls the gas to the burner.
Flue - allows the exit of gasses safely from the boiler.
Heat Exchanger - transfers the heat from the burner to the water.
PCB - manages the electronic functions in the boiler.

Identifying issues with any of these parts can help prevent breakdowns and boiler repairs this winter.

Avoid boiler breakdowns!

To make sure your boiler works efficiently and effectively this winter follow our expert tips. Having regular maintenance, an annual boiler service with a proactive approach to boiler repairs will extend your boilers lifespan and keep your heating costs lower.

How to maintain your boiler in the future?

It is crucial to have a boiler service annually by a fully Gas Safe registered engineer. AWP Boiler Installations are experts in our field. If you would like to book in for our boiler service, we are happy to help!

FAQ

frequently asked questions

Winter Top Tips

Should I get a carbon monoxide detector?

Yes. A carbon monoxide alarm is essential to regular boiler inspections and an excellent piece of equipment to signal the presence of carbon monoxide.

Why is my boiler making a kettling noise?

A build up of limescale and debris in the heat exchanger is generally the most common issue for this. Power flushing can help prevent this.

Can my boiler lose pressure without a leak?

Yes. There are components on the boiler that can be faulty such as expansion issues, pressure release valve or even radiators that need bleeding can be a cause.

What should my boiler pressure be?

When the heating is cool, between 1 - 1.5 bar is what the pressure gauge on the boiler should read. When the heating is on the pressure rises to 2 bar.

How often should the boiler be serviced?

A boiler service should be annual, to ensure they are running safely and effectively. By not having your boiler serviced regularly this can potentially lead to boiler breakdowns and more boiler repairs.

Is my landlord responsible for the boiler?

Yes. Landlord checks are legally required for all your gas appliances in properties, although it is the tenants job to point out everyday maintenance issues and reporting issues.

Emergency boiler breakdown repairs

At AWP Boiler Installations we understand how frustrating it can be and the stress a boiler breakdown or central heating repairs can cause. Our team can offer you emergency boiler repairs within 24 hours. Our fully Gas Safe registered specialist heating engineers can help attend your boiler breakdown in Solihull and surrounding areas. Contact us at AWP Boiler Installations, we are happy to help!

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