With winter kicking off to a cold start across the UK, it’s a good time to consider how your boiler is protected over these cold months. The weather is less than ideal for boilers, and your central heating system in general. But what are the most common winter boiler problems? And how can you protect your home?
What are the most common winter boiler problems?
There are many different problems that can occur with your boiler this winter, and can lead to a full boiler breakdown, causing a lot of inconvenience, especially in this weather. But what are the most common boiler issues? Well, there are several, including:
- frozen pipes
- cold radiators
- power cuts
Frozen pipes
The condensate pipe is one that can frequently freeze in winter weather. And this can prevent your boiler from working at all, as it is the role of this pipe to transport waste gases from the boiler and out of your home safely. When this cannot be achieved, because of a frozen pipe, the boiler will simply not turn on.
Other boiler pipes are also at risk, especially if you keep your boiler in a garage or a basement, where it is more likely to be colder.
To prevent freezing pipes, you should consider insulating all external pipes.
Cold radiators
If your radiators are not heating your home thoroughly, you could be using more fuel than is necessary, and you could be putting additional strain on your boiler. Radiators that develop cold spots, or only get warm in small patches, could be blocked. Powerflushing your system, as well as bleeding your radiators are two possible solutions. Speak to a professional for the best solution to your individual issue.
Power cuts
During the winter power cuts are more likely to be experienced because of severe weather changes. But if you experience a power cut, this will also cut the power to your boiler and thermostat system. As a result, when this restarts, your boiler settings could have been reset, so your home will no longer heat up at the right time, or to the right temperature. While you cant prevent a power cut, you can make sure you remember to check the settings after every power cut.
For more information or advice, why not get in touch with the experts today, here at Charter Heating! We are leading boiler, heating and gas experts.