You might be wondering why you need to do anything at all to look after your boiler in summer – it is after all, the time of year when you least need it. But this downtime for your boiler is the perfect opportunity to give it some TLC before the cold snap hits.
We’re often asked ‘what should I do with my boiler in the summer?’ so in this blog, we share with you our top tips for looking after your boiler in the warmer months.
Should I turn off my gas boiler in the summer?
If you’ve got a combination boiler then it probably has a summer setting, or at least the option to switch off the central heating and keep the hot water running.
This is a great way of saving energy which is good for your pocket and for the environment. But, if you still need heating for short periods in certain rooms – drying towels in the bathroom, for example – try turning off individual radiators instead.
Conventional boilers don’t have a summer setting, but if you can live without hot water then you will save money by turning it off completely. Most modern appliances are cold-fill (meaning they don’t require hot water) and electric showers heat their own water, so there is only the kitchen sink and bathroom basin to consider.
If you do decide to give your boiler the summer off, we recommend turning on your central heating and hot water at least once a month to keep it moving. Uswitch warns that without this, you run the risk of the pump and diverter valve seizing up.
Prioritise boiler repair work during the summer
It might not seem sensible to spend money on your boiler in summer during the hottest months of the year, but if you wait until winter you could end up without heating, when you need it the most.
We use our boilers more in the colder months, so it’s no surprise that engineer call-outs go up during that time. In fact, some experts report that heating engineers are busiest in November and December, with the majority of their work falling in these two months.
To avoid a long wait for your heating to be restored, make it a priority to get any problems looked at now. If you need a boiler replacement or you just want your boiler upgraded, take advantage of the balmy temperatures outside and get the work done while you don’t need to rely on your central heating system to keep you warm.
Book your annual service during the quiet period
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) recommends having your boiler serviced over the summer so it’s in top condition for the cold winter months ahead. It’s a cost-effective way of ensuring that everything is running smoothly and includes key safety checks such as looking for carbon monoxide leaks.
Landlords must ensure that they have any boilers in their rented properties regularly checked, but it’s also a stipulation of some manufacturers’ warranties on new boilers. To avoid invalidating the warranty you must have your boiler serviced annually.
There are lots of good reasons for having a boiler service but chief among them is the money it can save you in the long-term. By catching little things early before they become bigger problems, you can avoid being hit with a hefty bill later down the line.
Make boiler servicing part of your home cover
RJM Homecare specialises in home cover packages that include an annual boiler service as standard. Prices start from £6.50 per month for the basic package – this works out at £78 for the year, which costs the same as an annual service.
For peace of mind, we will remind you when it’s time to book your annual service, so you never have to worry about it lapsing. And if you do have any problems during the winter, we offer our home care customers an extra level of care with priority booking.
Other boiler maintenance tips for the summer
There are other things you can do to keep your boiler ticking over in the summer.
1. Check the water pressure
As they age, boilers can lose system pressure. You’ll find the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler, and depending on the system it may give you a digital or analogue reading. If the pressure is too low then it’s possible the water needs topping up, and if it’s too high, then you may need to bleed your radiators.
2. Bleed your radiator(s)
If your radiators aren’t getting hot all the way to the top, then they may need bleeding. This can be a messy job and not everyone feels comfortable tackling it, but for those that do, make sure you are well-prepared before you start. Once you’ve let the air out of your radiators, you should see a return to normal.
3. Check the water tank
Conventional boilers have a water tank attached to them, which needs to be properly maintained along with the rest of the system. We recommend checking to make sure that the expansion tank in your loft is working properly – pay particular attention to the ball valves and how they operate.
Protecting your boiler for the long-term
Looking after your boiler in summer, avoids any nasty surprises when you come to turn it on again in winter. But having the peace of mind that your boiler is running safely and efficiently is something that we all want year-round.
Boiler cover ensures that you have a team of people on-hand 24/7 to help if anything goes wrong, and at RJM Homecare there are no call out charges and unlimited repairs. Having your boiler checked regularly can prolong its life, which will ultimately save you money over time.
For further guidance on looking after your boiler in summer, contact our friendly team to find out more. We have years of experience helping home-owners protect their boiler, and all our heating engineers are qualified to the highest industry standards.