PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2024 GasBoilers 23


What to do before boiler switch-on day


Households traditionally turn their boilers back on in mid-October. And while this happens a couple of weeks before Halloween, it can still end up as a horror show for unsuspecting homeowners. Sean Keleher from Navien UK shares his ideas on how you can help your customers ensure that switch-on day doesn’t become a fright night.


O


ctober is typically the time when heating engineers get calls from householders who


fi nd that, after a few months off , their boiler is having issues starting up again. A few simple checks and


actions during the summer can reduce the risk of a heating system failure and potentially avoid costly callouts and repairs. Heating engineers who look after their customers in this way can build genuine loyalty and customer retention – when it comes to big jobs like boiler replacement, you’ll be the fi rst name on their list. Here, we’ve compiled a quick


checklist that you can share with your customers to help them ensure that turning their boiler back on is as smooth as possible and that they save the scares for later in October.


1. Keep the boiler on It’s wise to keep the boiler on over the course of the year instead of turning it off completely in summer. Boilers are built for year- round operation, and shutting them down can lead to costly problems. Inactivity for an entire season can cause mechanical parts to seize or corrode, increasing the risk of a complete system breakdown. If homeowners have a


standard boiler, they can ensure the heating remains off by simply turning down the thermostats in each room. For those with a more modern combi boiler, switching it to ‘hot water only’ allows them to have access to hot water without paying for heating, and they can even reduce the hot water temperature if desired.


Sean Keleher Technical director for Navien UK


2. Run the heating Advise homeowners to run their heating for a few minutes each month to keep the system active and in good condition. Whether they’ve turned off the boiler or switched it to hot water only, it’s benefi cial to let the central heating run briefl y. This helps ensure that the boiler is ticking over without working too hard. Encourage them to turn up the


A few simple checks and


actions during the summer can reduce the risk of a heating system failure and


potentially avoid costly call-outs and repairs


thermostat until the radiators begin to warm. While doing this, they should walk around the home to check that each radiator is functioning properly. Performed regularly during the summer, this can help prevent a costly call-out for boiler repair or replacement. Running the system for a few minutes each month also prevents the pump and diverter valve inside the boiler from seizing up due to inactivity.


3. Bleed the radiators With some systems, when homeowners do their monthly heating switch-on they might notice some radiators feel cooler at the top or even cold. This could be indicating trapped air in the system. This trapped air can make the heating system ineffi cient, costing more money. Another sign of trapped air is hearing moaning or clanking noises from the heating system when it’s on. Summer is an ideal time to


bleed the radiators to ensure full effi ciency when the colder months arrive. It’s also quicker to do this in summer when the radiators are not in use, as they


don’t need to wait for them to cool down before safely bleeding them.


4. Monitor pressure Remind homeowners that monitoring boiler pressure is essential year-round. Many boiler issues stem from incorrect pressure levels, so it’s important not to overlook this during the summer. If the pressure is too high, it can cause cracks in valves and pipework, leading to leaks. Conversely, if the pressure is too low, the boiler may not run effi ciently, negatively impacting energy bills. Checking boiler pressure is


straightforward. Homeowners should look at the pressure gauge every few months. Ideally, the reading should be between 1.0 and 2.0 bar. If it’s lower than 1.0 bar, the boiler has low pressure. They should also be aware that pressure will rise when the boiler is working hard, so if the reading is close to the upper limit, they should monitor it closely. If there’s a pressure issue,


it’s usually something they can adjust themselves. Always remind them to refer to the boiler manual for safe and accurate instructions. If they need assistance, they can call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer for help, who can often guide them through the process.


5. Schedule servicing The boiler is the heart of the central heating system, so homeowners should give it some care while they enjoy the


summer sunshine. An annual service keeps


the boiler running safely, effi ciently, and reliably. Even if the boiler is relatively new, it’s still a good idea to get it serviced. Many warranties require an annual check by a heating engineer to remain valid. Functionally, it doesn’t


matter when the boiler is serviced, but practically, it’s smart to do it in summer. Heating engineers are typically less busy in the warmer months, making it easier to schedule a service, and possibly cheaper too. Some engineers off er summer discounts to balance their workloads, so it’s worth asking about. It’s also more convenient for


homeowners, as any necessary repairs can be done at a time when they don’t need the heating to stay warm.


6. Consider a replacement Lastly, installers should advise homeowners to check the age of their boiler. If it’s over 10 years old and requires frequent repairs, summer is an ideal time for a replacement. As with servicing, scheduling


a boiler replacement in the summer is easier. Homeowners should consult with heating engineers or directly with manufacturers like Navien to fi nd the best fi t for their homes. Modern boilers off er better effi ciencies, and homeowners may even benefi t from a smart boiler that can be controlled via an app. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1024/26


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