Whether you need to schedule a repair, learn how to buy a new boiler, or simply need boiler maintenance guidance, these helpful guidelines have you covered.
How to find a trusted gas engineer
When choosing an engineer, homeowners should always check for accreditation. The Gas Safe Register is the official industry body for gas engineers and other gas-related services such as boiler installation and maintenance. All registered engineers carry a Gas Safe ID card which shows their name and registration number and can be easily verified online.
If homeowners are unable to locate an engineer through this registry, they should always ask to see their Gas Safe ID card before signing any documents or contracts. Engineers must also provide both a written quotation for the job and a notice of the date on which work is scheduled to start, which must be at least two working days after this first notification.
For homeowners with a fuel oil heating system that they wish to convert to gas-fired, they can find qualified and approved engineers by contacting their local council as most will already have lists of recommended engineers who carry out conversions.
What to do if your boiler loses pressure
A boiler losing pressure is a dangerous problem and should not be ignored. Boilers lose pressure when they aren't working properly, and if you ignore this issue, it can put your house in danger and lead to costly repairs.
The first thing you want to do when your boiler breaks is shut off the electric power supplying your home. This causes the boiler to lose all pressure.
Afterwards, you want to immediately contact a plumber or other professional that knows how to fix boilers. With the electric power shut off, your boiler will not work and you need an expert as soon as possible.
It's important to remember never turn on a boiler yourself if it has lost pressure. You can potentially do more damage than good, so the best thing to do is call a professional as soon as you notice your boiler isn't working properly.
Be sure to check if there are any visible cracks on your roof where steam could leak out, or any water leaks in or around your home. If you have little time, check the primary water shut-off valve on your boiler. If this is broken, it can be an easy fix.
Finally, you should also check that gas pressure doesn't need to be adjusted by turning on your pilot light or adjusting the manual knob on top of your boiler.
How safe is your boiler?
Check your boiler's air filter regularly to make sure it isn't clogged with dirt and debris. If the filter is dirty, it can lead to carbon monoxide build-up as well as poor heating performance. Replace the filter if necessary; then clean around the base of your boiler.
Make certain that the power cord is not in contact with lint, water or other sources of buildup. Remove lint and dirt from around your boiler's base if it has gathered there. You should also check your boiler at least once a year for any signs of rust or corrosion that might indicate poor insulation.
Check for drafts when you are inspecting your furnace, particularly if you notice that your clothes feel cooler in certain areas of the room. Drafts can direct heated air away from the furnace which will reduce its heating capabilities. Make sure there are no cracks or holes around vents, flues, chimneys and other connections to the boiler. These leaks may cause carbon monoxide build-up as well as poor heating performance.
Keep the area around your boiler free of any combustible materials that could be ignited by a potential flood or fire caused by a water leak. If you live in an older home, check to make sure that the gas supply line is connected properly and it is free of corrosion.
How to improve your boiler's efficiency
Start by making the following checks on your boiler:
Check that there is no damage to the flue or chimney; this may be affecting the draw of air over the fire. Make sure it is ventilated properly. Check for local regulations about air supplies, like mixing of gases (ie, not letting hot flue gases enter combustion air),proper separation of flue gases before entering the chimney, and minimum amount of combustion air.
Check for proper function of the fuel supply. If this is not working properly it may cause excess or deficient burning of fuel which may reduce or increase emissions to more than necessary levels. Check that fires are started on a clean bed of solid fuel with good flow of air, not with a chimney starter or by blowing up the fire.
Check for good maintenance practices. Make sure there are no sooty deposits in the boiler, flue or chimney. These indicate excess formation of smoke particles which will contribute to increased emissions levels when released into the environment. Only basic maintenance is needed if agreed service intervals are observed.
Check that you have installed the recommended flue kit, if required by your product approval for your boiler. If using a chimney liner kit ensure it is of adequate size and reduced diameter down to the boiler outlet. Use only stainless steel flue kit components, not mild steel or other inferior materials.
What to expect during an installation
Prior to the start of work
Before proceeding, your engineer will want to double-check a few things with you. The number of radiators you have, your water pressure, the number of bathrooms in your home, and the location of your current boiler and flue are all factors to consider.
On that particular day
If it's a simple exchange, such as a combi for a combi, you may anticipate the engineer to finish the job within a day. It's worth noting, though, that if you're replacing an older boiler system or switching boiler types, there may be issues that cause the installation to take longer. You'll need to be present for a demonstration of the new boiler controls once they've been installed.
How much will it cost?
Boiler installation expenses can be costly, and quotations can range from £3,000 to £5,000, so shop about. They differ depending on whether the upgrade is a simple like-for-like replacement or a total system overhaul involving power-flushes and additional pipes. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, make sure you acquire a fixed pricing quote up front.
All Gas Safe firms must notify the local authorities whenever they install a new gas appliance to comply with Building Regulations and Gas Safe guidelines. They should also provide you with a completed Benchmark Certificate and a Building Regulations Certificate to demonstrate compliance. If this doesn't happen, make a note of it.
What happens after the installation has been completed?
The majority of trustworthy businesses will provide you with a warranty on their services.
If you have any concerns regarding the safety of your new boiler installation or believe your engineer did a poor job, contact them as soon as possible. They must either fix any issues they've caused or compensate you for the expense of employing a new engineer. You shouldn't have to be concerned if you've employed a Gas Safe engineer.
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