How to Maintain Boilers (and buy new ones)
New homes already have energy-efficient boilers. But many older draughty homes have old boilers that are past their best. Of course the main issue is that new boilers are very expensive, so some people just keep old boilers regularly serviced, until they give up the ghost.
A boiler keeps your home warm and provides hot water, so is one of the most important appliances. When it runs well, it keeps you comfortable. But when it’s old and not working right, it can not only cause higher bills, but even safety issues.
Also read our posts on affordable home insulation and reducing energy bills.
Get an annual boiler check. iHeat offers local Gas Safe registered engineers, who can do this for around £99.
Only Hire Gas Safe Registered Engineers
When it comes to boiler servicing or repairs, only a Gas Safe registered engineer should handle the job. They have the right training, skills, and legal permission to work safely with gas appliances. Using anyone else not only risks your safety but can also break the law and might invalidate your insurance.
Before booking an engineer, check their Gas Safe Register ID card. It shows their registration number, expiry date, and the type of gas work they’re qualified for.
Simple Maintenance Tasks You Can Do
While complex repairs are best left to professionals, there are easy tasks you can do around your boiler to keep it running well:
- Bleed radiators: Removing trapped air improves heating and can stop cold spots. Use a radiator key to open the valve slightly until water appears, then close it. The instructions include an idiot-proof video! if radiator bottoms are cold, ask your boiler service engineer to remove the sludge.
- Check for Leaks: Look around the boiler and pipes for any water or dampness.
- Keep the Area Clear: Ensure the space around your boiler is free of clutter and dust. Good airflow helps it work efficiently and prevents overheating.
- Monitor Pressure: Boiler pressure should usually be between 1 and 2 bar. If it falls too low, top it up using the filling loop following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can leak from faulty boilers and is very dangerous. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm near your boiler is a must-have safety step. These alarms sound early warnings to protect your family from poisoning.
Watch out for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, and confusion. If anyone in your home has unexplained symptoms, or if the alarm sounds, switch off the boiler, open windows, and leave the property immediately. Call the emergency services from outside and never ignore signs that something is wrong.
Signs of carbon monoxide leaks are floppy yellow/orange flames on hobs/ovens, sooty stains around appliances, pilot lights that go out and condensation inside windows.
Gas leaks smell like rotten eggs. Get everyone out and call Gas Safe Emergency Helpline (never smoke or use ignition switches). Locate your emergency control valve, to know how to switch it off.
What If You Need a New Boiler?
Visit iHeat, to take the quick questionnaire on how to choose a new boiler (you’ll need to know the boiler you have and flue location – the site shows how and where to look). This company also offers fixed-price air-conditioning.
A new boiler costs around £3000 (saving around £300 a year on bills). So start saving! The Energy Obligation Scheme. can tell if you’re eligible for free or discounted boilers.
The government’s boiler upgrade scheme can cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with heat pump or biomass boilers.
You might qualify for grants if you:
- Receive certain benefits like pension credit or income support
- Live in a low-income household
- Have an older boiler that uses a lot of energy
It’s a good idea to check trusted sources like your local council’s website or official government pages for up-to-date information on who qualifies and how to apply. These programmes often change, so getting accurate, official details is important.
Responsibilities for Landlords and Tenants
When it comes to boilers, both landlords and tenants have clear responsibilities to keep the system safe and working properly. Understanding who must do what helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone protected.
What Landlords Must Do
Landlords carry most of the legal responsibility for the safety and maintenance of boilers in rented homes. The law says they must:
- Carry out annual gas safety checks. Every year, a Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect the boiler and all gas appliances to make sure they are safe. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the safety certificate within 28 days of the check.
- Keep boilers in good working order. Repairs and maintenance must be carried out promptly whenever there is a problem. For comfort, and to prevent gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords must put alarms where gas appliances are, including near the boiler. These alarms must be checked regularly and replaced as needed.
- Provide adequate heating and hot water. The boiler should be capable of supplying enough heat and hot water according to the tenancy agreement.
- Respect tenant access for maintenance. Landlords need to arrange repairs or servicing at reasonable times and must give proper notice before visiting.
What Tenants Can Expect and Should Do
Tenants also have a role in keeping the boiler safe and working:
- Use the boiler correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do not tamper with the system or try to fix it yourself.
- Report issues quickly. If the boiler shows signs of trouble like strange noises, leaks, or loss of heat, tenants should inform the landlord or managing agent immediately.
- Allow access for checks and repairs. Tenants must let the landlord or their contractors access the property at reasonable times to carry out safety checks and maintenance.
- Monitor carbon monoxide alarms. While landlords provide these, tenants should regularly test them and let the landlord know if the alarm is faulty or missing.
- Keep the area around the boiler clear. This helps prevent hazards and allows engineers to work safely during visits.
