How to keep your central heating in good condition

Central heating systems can be expensive to repair and replace, but do you know how to care for your system effectively? Rather than just switching it no and leaving it to run, there are a few things you can do yourself to reduce the risk of breakdowns and future problems. Keep reading to hear out top tips.

Use pipe lagging in the wintertime

In the winter, your pipes can freeze over if the temperature drops low enough. This can stop your central heating working efficiently and can even lead to your pipe bursting. To reduce the risk fo this, invest in some ready-made pipe lagging. It can be brought cheaply from any DIY store or online and you can fit it yourself in minutes.

Bleed your radiators

You should check your radiators from time to time, seeing if you can feel any cold patches. If there are, use your radiator key and an old rag or towel to bleed them. This removes the cold spots and helps your home to feel warmer, faster, without the need for an expensive repair. Radiator keys are also availble at DIY stores or online.

Check your boiler pressure gauge

You should periodically check your pressure gauge, to make sure the reading is where it should be. Ideally, it should read around 1 on the scale. If the pressure is too low, you can top it up using the directions given by your manufacturer. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, don't hesitate to call out our team to sort it for you.

Make sure your pilot light is blue

When your boiler is running smoothly, the light will be bright blue. If the boiler appears yellow, there could be a problem with your gas supply and you should get this checked out immediately by our team. Checking your pilot light helps to keep your home safe, as well as making sure your boiler is operating as it should.

Install the necessary detectors

Most homes will already have smoke alarms fitted, but you should also invest in a carbon monoxide alarm and install it near your boiler. These alarms can be brought relatively cheaply and can make all the difference if your home was to leak carbon monoxide, as it is a colourless and odourless gas. Regularly test your alarms to check the batteries are still working.

Need a central heating repair in Wednesfield?

We offer our central heating repairs across Wednesfield, Essington, Gospel End, Sedgley, Trysull, Bridgenorth, Wombourne, Seisdon, Bilbrook, Calf Heath, Great Saredon, Dunston, Huntington, Great Wyrley, Bloxwich, Sheffield, Clayhanger, Brownhills and Heath Hayes. For all your home heating needs, come to 1st Time Fix - Gas, Plumbing & Heating Ltd! To get in touch, give us a call on 01902 918 185,  07534 511 262, fill out the contact form on our website, or email us at info@1sttimefix.org.uk.