Summer’s here, and with it, long sunny days, garden BBQ’s, and the relief of turning down those central heating thermostats. And after months of hard work, your boiler will be enjoying a well-earned break as well.
Whilst it’s easy to forget about your LPG boiler until the chilly months roll round, summer is actually the perfect time to give your boiler some much-needed TLC. A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps you safe and warm when the colder months return.
Thinking about your boiler now could save you a lot of hassle – and money! So, in this blog, we’re going to take a look at how you can give your boiler a little love this summer with 4 easy jobs you can tick off ahead of winter.
1. Boiler TLC – why a service matters
Even though your boiler may be enjoying a well-deserved break, having a summer service is one of the smartest things you can do for your home. It’s a bit like having your car MOT’d - a little attention now can save a lot of stress later.
Plan to get it winter-ready by having your boiler serviced before the end of September. Gas engineers will get busier in the winter months, so book them in now when things are quieter. Always use a GAS SAFE registered engineer who will check your boiler and clean the filters.
Here’s why a summer service is a great idea:
- Safety first, no surprises - LPG boilers are very safe when well-maintained, but over time, parts can wear out or leaks develop. Having your boiler serviced now helps prevent scary surprises when winter rolls round. When servicing your boiler, your engineer will inspect it to make sure everything is working safely and do visual checks for any issues like leaks or corrosion to pipework, including signs of carbon monoxide leaks, keeping you and your family safe.
- Efficiency pays off - A clean, well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, which means it uses less fuel. That’s good for your wallet, helping you be more energy efficient at home – and good for the environment too.
- Prevent costly breakdowns - A regularly serviced boiler is less likely to break down unexpectedly. At your summer service, your engineer will check for wear and tear and can spot small problems early, helping you avoid inconvenient and expensive emergency repairs in the winter months when you really need your boiler to be working at its hardest.
- Extend your boiler’s lifespan - On average, an LPG boiler will last somewhere between 15 and 20 years. Having your boiler serviced ensures it keeps everything running smoothly. It reduces wear and tear, keeps it running cleaner, and helps it last longer. A well-cared-for boiler can give you years of trouble-free heating.
- Compliance and peace of mind - If your LPG boiler is still under warranty, a condition of that warranty will be to have your boiler serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. But even if it’s not mandatory, having a record of a professional check-up gives peace of mind that your system is safe, reliable and ready for the seasons ahead.
According to Gas Safe Register, one in 5 homes has a dangerous gas appliance. They offer a free gas safety check reminder service - simply sign up and they’ll send you a quick text or email to remind you when your annual gas safety check is due.
2. Run your heating system monthly
By running your heating system for just 10 to 15 minutes once a month during the summer, you can keep everything in tip-top shape and prevent problems, extend your boiler’s lifespan, and ensure it’s ready to deliver reliable warmth when the colder weather returns. Inactivity is one of the biggest causes of boiler failure.
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Prevent mechanical issues before they happen - When your heating system sits idle for long periods of time, parts can start to seize up. Ignition systems may struggle to fire up, pumps might struggle to circulate water efficiently, and valves can stick. Giving your boiler a quick run each month keeps everything moving smoothly and helps avoid bigger, more costly issues down the line.
- Spot hidden problems early - By running your system, you can look out for unusual noises, warning lights, or error codes that may otherwise go unnoticed. Catching these sneaky problems early gives you plenty of time to arrange a repair before the first chilly nights of autumn, keeping your home cosy and stress-free.
3. Check your boiler pressure
Checking the pressure of your LPG boiler is important because it ensures the system operates efficiently and safely. Check it once a month to make sure it’s not too high – or too low.
So what is boiler pressure? It’s essentially the amount of water in the heating system at any one time. Too much water and the pressure will show as too high, too little water and it will show as low. Your boiler will have a pressure gauge located on the front that tells you the current pressure of the system.
Too high, the system may fail due to an overload – too low and the hot water may not reach all areas of the heating system.
Let’s look at the signs:
High pressure
- Pressure gauge reading above 2 bar
- Leaks around your boiler
- Strange banging, gurgling or whistling noises
- Dripping from the pressure release valve
- Your boiler has shut down – it will turn itself off if the pressure goes too high
Check the filling loop is closed and not letting water into the system.
One easy way to reduce boiler pressure is to bleed your radiators – radiators are usually bled to remove excess air from the system. But if the pressure continues to creep up, there may be a fault – call a GAS SAFE registered engineer immediately.
Low pressure
- Your radiators don’t warm up properly
- No heating or hot water
- Leaks in your system
- The dial on your pressure gauge has fallen
If your boiler pressure is low, you can usually fix it by adding more water to the system. Here’s how:
Switch off the boiler and wait for the system to cool down before starting.
Connect the filling loop securely at both ends, then open both valves to let fresh water into the system. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge and continue to let water in until it reaches 1.5 bar. Shut both valves, one at a time, then turn the boiler back on. You may need to press the ‘reset’ button. Disconnect the filling loop from both ends, using a towel to catch any dripping water.
4. Bleed your radiators
Summer is the perfect time to give your radiators a little maintenance while your heating is switched off. Trapped air inside radiators can cause all sorts of problems like airlocks, or contribute to internal corrosion.
You’ll need a radiator bleed key or a flat-head screwdriver, an old towel and a container to catch any drips.
Ensure your heating system is switched off and your radiators are cool.
Locate the radiator valve and slowly turn it anti-clockwise. You’ll hear a hissing noise – that’s the trapped air escaping. Once water starts to trickle out, close the valve clockwise. Use your towel and container to catch any stray drips.
Check your boiler pressure afterwards. Bleeding radiators can cause it to drop, so top it back up before switching your boiler back on.
Northern Energy, fuelling communities and looking after our customers
Taking care of your boiler during summer is one of the simplest ways to save money, improve efficiency, reduce the risk of costly breakdowns later in the year and get the most from your LPG system. By booking a boiler service, running your system monthly, checking boiler pressure, and bleeding radiators, you can keep your heating system in excellent condition and ready for the colder months ahead.
So don’t put it off – book your annual LPG boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer today – or if you’re a Northern Energy Gas customer, simply give us a call on 01423 772 789 and we’ll take care of the arrangements for you. Then you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home will be warm, safe and energy efficient throughout the winter months.