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Spring seasonal heating checks are vital, as winter can place a lot of pressure on the system from the boiler to the radiators. But spring in places like the UK can still be pretty cold, right up until June sometimes, meaning you need to pay special attention to the heating. So, from bleeding the radiators to listening for noises, here’s a handy heating checklist for reference.
Book a Boiler Service
It goes without saying, but you really should book a boiler service, especially if you haven’t had one for a while. A service engineer can be much cheaper than a boiler repair if something goes wrong, and they can also check for incoming issues and apply proactive measures. It is widely agreed that a boiler should be serviced once per year by a qualified engineer, and never yourself. Actually, it is illegal to service a boiler without the necessary qualifications.
Bleed the Radiators, Of Course
One of the most common problems with a heating system is poor radiators. Air can build up inside the radiators, and it prevents them from heating properly. The bad thing about this is that aside from the extra strain, it will cause you to pay much more for the gas your boiler uses. However, it is relatively simple to bleed the radiators and restore the balance. You can use a radiator key to loosen the valve and wait until the water stops coming out before closing it again.
Check Boiler Pressure for Spring Seasonal Heating
You may not know this, but boiler breakdowns actually spike in spring as we come out of winter, when they have been placed under a lot of stress. So a spring service is vital, as in the UK alone, around 100 people per year die from carbon monoxide poisoning from a boiler. Of course, it can be hard to know what to do when your boiler breaks, but one of the most vital checks is the pressure, which should be in the green zone on the gauge at all times.
Listen for Strange Noises
If you listen to your home, it can actually tell you a lot about itself. Ever heard those strange noises at night? You probably don’t have a ghost, but rather there could be an issue with the heating system, plumbing or electrical wiring. When it comes to your boiler and heating, listen for banging and gurgling. These can indicate a build-up of sludge or limescale that prevents the system from working correctly, and it might be time to call in a professional for a service.
Insulate the Water and Heating Pipes
Just like the walls and attic, insulating tanks, pipes and radiators is vital for keeping them running smoothly and efficiently. Even in spring, the temperature can reach freezing or near freezing, and this can place stress on the heating system as a whole. Keeping the pipes warm reduces how much energy is needed for heating them and will prevent ice from forming inside. It can also help to run the heating once a month for 15 minutes to prevent pipe freezing.
Summary
Booking a boiler service is perhaps the best spring seasonal heating method to ensure the system stays in safe and working order. You can also check the pressure yourself and restore it to an optimal level, and make sure the pipes, tanks and radiators are adequately insulated.
