Correct maintenance of the boiler, key to avoid extra expenses

During the cold months, the use of heating is one of the biggest expenses for any family. This expense can be even higher depending on the type of heating used, for example electricity or gas, which depending on demand, the price can fluctuate considerably. Everyone has read or been told some tips to reduce this consumption and save on the bill, although one of the most important is to properly maintain the boiler, something that not everyone does.

Breakdowns when least expected

Ignoring the boiler can lead to breakdowns at the least expected moments. These breakdowns usually occur due to inefficient maintenance, hence the importance of a periodic review to make sure that everything is correct. In a context of need for savings such as the current one, it is best to avoid any unforeseen expenses and follow some small tips that will help keep the heat, guarantee the correct operation of the boiler and reduce the bill, as well as make the home more sustainable and efficient.

Most common incidents

Mandatory inspections are not enough. Annual periodic maintenance is required. Basic maintenance of any heating system requires annual burner cleaning and monoxide testing. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, so it is not easily recognizable and this increases its danger since it can cause heart dysfunction, headaches, dizziness and fatigue, among other symptoms.

Other common problems in boilers are smoke outlet obstruction, the pressure drop, the blockage in the recirculation pump, the safety valve break or problems with temperature probe.

Proper maintenance of the facilities will prevent small incidents from becoming more serious and costly complications. Therefore, it is advisable to go to a specialized professional to carry out the technical revision of the boiler or to have services such as Home Maintenance Gas that for € 9.50 per month includes the annual revision of the facilities and covers unforeseen events, with a 24-hour emergency service and a one-year warranty on repairs.

5 Practical tips to reduce heating costs

• Make sure that the pressure is between 1.2 and 1.5 bar maximum.
• Establish a suitable comfort temperature, 19ºC when no one is home or at night, and not exceed 22ºC when the house is occupied.
• Check that the radiators heat well. Therefore, it is advisable not to cover them and to purge them once a year to eliminate the air accumulated in the heating circuit. Bleeding the radiators can save energy 10% per year, which is around € 80 per year.
• Make a good isolation. Check that there are no cold entrances and, if there are, install weatherstripping and insulating material tapes.
• Reduce the temperature of the boiler: if the boiler does not have a water differentiator that allows setting a temperature for heating and another for tap water, the temperature must be between 50 – 55 degrees. If there is a differentiator, then the running water should be at 45 degrees, and the heating at 55.