Chiswick Heating, based in West London, operates across the London boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow. Below we have prepared some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about heating, gas safety, plumbing and drainage: 

Regular maintenance will not only save you money in the long run but could also save your life as a faulty gas heating boiler can be fatal. Remember that a healthy boiler is more efficient and, as a result, cuts your energy bills.

Here are some useful tips to help with boiler maintenance.

1. Do I need an Annual service?

Your boiler should be serviced once a year by an engineer listed on the Gas Safe Register, even if it seems to be in working order. The engineer will usually check all the parts and clean the components. September is a good time to arrange the service, so you can be sure your boiler can take the strain of the winter months.

2. Should I turn the heating on regularly?

Boilers can seize up if they are not used regularly. Experts therefore recommend that you turn on the heating for 10 or 15 minutes every so often during the summer months, just to keep the boiler ticking over.

3. Do I need to check the boiler pressure?

Boilers lose pressure over time, which can cause them to run inefficiently. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler if you can and top it up if necessary. Your manual should give you instructions, or you can ask the plumber.

4. When should I bleed the the radiators?

If your radiators are colder at the bottom than the top, air may be trapped in the system. You therefore need to release the air by ‘bleeding’ the radiators. If you don’t, the system is not working efficiently, putting an extra strain on your boiler and effectively wasting you money.

Switch the heating off before you bleed the radiators and slot the key into the bleed valve. Turn the key anticlockwise for a quarter of a rotation and you should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. When water starts to drip (have an old towel or some kitchen paper to hand!), lock the valve and the job is done, though you might need to top up the boiler pressure.

5. What warning signs should I look for?

Leaks, cracks, clunking noises or black, sooty marks all suggest you have a problem. So check your boiler regularly and look out for warning signs. The sooner you detect and repair a fault, the better. It’s also wise to make sure that any external vents, flues and airbricks are free from blockages and debris.

6. What happens if there is no blue flame in my boiler?

The flame in your boiler should be a strong, clear blue. If it appears yellow or smoky, there could be something wrong and you should call a gas heating engineer immediately.

7. What can I include in the boiler cupboard?

If your boiler is in a cupboard, is it surrounded by coats, shoes, bags and other clutter? Boilers need ventilation so the space around the appliance should be kept free from clutter. Your boiler should also be relatively easy to access, so make sure you keep the cupboard reasonably tidy.

Your plumber or heating engineer should be able to advise on whether your boiler has adequate ventilation.

8. Do I need to lag the water pipes?

When the temperature drops below zero, the boiler’s external condensation pipe can freeze. The boiler will then cut out as a safety precaution. You can melt the ice by pouring warm water over the pipe but you can prevent the boiler from freezing by insulating the pipes or by keeping the heating on a constant low setting when it is very cold.

9. Why do I need to check my carbon monoxide detector?

A faulty boiler can produce carbon monoxide – a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Carbon monoxide can kill, which is why every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, preferably with an alarm. Put it near the boiler and check it every month to make sure it’s working.

 

 

At Chiswick Heating we are reliable engineers who provide a local and professional heating, gas safety, plumbing and drainage service across West London.  We are experts in central heating, gas installations, boiler replacements, boiler servicing and plumbing maintenance.  We also carry out landlord gas safety tests and provide gas safety certificates. Our engineers are fully qualified and Gas Safe Registered which means we have a reputation for being trusted engineers that you can depend on.

Our services include:

Heating

Gas Safety

Plumbing

Drainage

 

To find out more either telephone 020 8896 3978 or CLICK HERE to contact us and get a quote