5 Tips for Keeping Your Boiler Working Its Best This Winter

Winter is the most important time to stay on top of your central heating and plumbing, as it’s when you most rely on them. Boiler servicing is just part of ensuring that your boiler is working as it’s supposed to.

With our boiler experts’ top tips on keeping your boiler working efficiently, you can relax this winter. Check out our guide on how to stay on top of your home’s plumbing and heating below!

1. Don’t Ignore Boiler Servicing

Winter is the worst time for your boiler to stop working and have to call someone out to repair it.

It’s recommended that you get your boiler serviced annually, as this allows a professional to make sure your boiler is working safely and to the best of its ability. An annual service provides an opportunity to prevent any problems, meaning you can be confident in your boiler and central heating system.

If, at any point in the winter, you’re worried about the boiler failing or just want to be on the safe side, it doesn’t hurt to arrange for a quick service to be sure.

2. Insulate Pipes

Freezing pipes pose a real threat in winter, especially with temperatures hovering near 0°C. Insulating your pipes is a straightforward way to prevent potential issues.

Pipe insulation, easily found at hardware stores, acts as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of freezing while conserving heat within your plumbing system. This not only safeguards against damage but also optimises energy use.

By retaining heat, insulated pipes alleviate strain on your central heating, leading to long-term savings on heating costs. It’s a cost-effective solution ensuring a more efficient and economical home heating system, offering protection against freezing temperatures and contributing to overall energy efficiency.

3. Keep Pipes Warm When Away

If you’re planning to be away for an extended period of time over winter, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent potential issues like frozen pipes.

A simple yet effective measure is to programme your heating system to come on for brief periods daily. Even an hour or two of heating can make a significant difference in keeping the pipes from freezing during your absence.

Embracing modern technology can further enhance this safeguarding process. Consider upgrading to a smart heating system, like Nest, which offers remote temperature control capabilities. With such a system, you can easily adjust and monitor the temperature in your home from afar, ensuring that it stays at a level that prevents freezing while optimising energy usage. This smart upgrade not only provides peace of mind during your absence but also contributes to better energy management and home protection.

4. Dispose of FOG Properly

Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs) pose a persistent threat to your pipes, and this concern intensifies during winter months. The cold weather exacerbates the issue, making it crucial to be vigilant.

In colder temperatures, oils solidify more rapidly, creating blockages in your plumbing system. It’s essential to adopt proactive measures to mitigate this risk. To prevent pipe clogs, allow fats and oils used in cooking to solidify before disposal. Instead of pouring them down the sink, let them cool and harden, then discard them in the bin. This simple practice not only protects your pipes from potential blockages, but also contributes to maintaining the smooth operation of your plumbing, ensuring a hassle-free winter and averting costly repairs.

5. Upgrade to a More Efficient Boiler

Boiler efficiency will be key to keeping your home warm and your central heating system up to scratch throughout the winter.

If you have an older boiler, it might be worth considering a boiler replacement so that you can get the most out of your heating system throughout the winter.

A new boiler is likely to provide better heating performance, delivering more consistent warmth and hot water throughout your home. With consistent performance, you could see a reduction in your energy bills, as these boilers are designed to use fuel more efficiently, leading to lower energy consumption.

For those who are eco-conscious, a boiler replacement could help make your home more environmentally friendly, as newer boilers produce fewer carbon emissions due to their improved combustion efficiency, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

Let Our Experts Help This Winter

The team at Greenstar are experts in boiler servicing and boiler replacement. We know everything there is to know about keeping your boilers and heating systems running perfectly over the colder months.

Our accredited professionals can come and service or repair your boiler at any point, whether you’re planning ahead for winter and want an early service or are partway through winter and wondering if your boiler is working as efficiently as it should be.

If needed, we are also able to complete a boiler replacement so that your heating system is working with an energy-efficient and eco-friendly boiler.

With over 20 years of experience in boiler and heating maintenance across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service. Take a look at some of our testimonials to see for yourself.

Get in touch with our specialist team to book your boiler service or replacement today. Call us on 01202 355 344 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.