A BOILER breakdown can leave you hot and bothered, even after you suffer through ice-cold showers.
Repairing or replacing your boiler can be expensive, so avoid the common missteps that could lead to a service bill in the thousands.
The experts at Boiler Guide explained the mistakes that often lead to costly damages. Repairing a boiler costs around $400 on average, but if your boiler is more than eight years old, any damage could necessitate a replacement – which comes with a $2,000 price tag.
Here's what you can do to treat your boiler right and avoid the cost and hassle.
DON'T LEAVE THE HEAT OFF ALL SUMMER
You may be tempted to leave your heat off all summer to cut costs, but you'll be risking a more expensive repair in the fall.
"Turning a boiler off for a long period of time can cause parts to seize up," the pros at Boiler Guide explained.
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"If this happens it won’t work when you turn it on again after summer."
You don't need to run your heat all summer long – just turn it on a few times throughout the season.
DON'T FORGET TO POWERFLUSH
If you haven't heard of a powerflush, then congratulations! You've likely never suffered through the clumsy clunking of a noisy boiler.
During a powerflush, an engineer pumps cleaning fluid through the entire heating system to eliminate rust and deposits.
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This can be an expensive maintenance task, running several hundred dollars, but doing it proactively should be less expensive – and it will help your boiler last longer.
DON'T NEGLECT YOUR RADIATORS
Bleeding your radiators is another chore that will protect your boiler come cold weather.
This releases trapped air, helping your entire home heating system work more evenly and consistently.
While your central heating is turned off, locate the bleed screw on your radiator to release water and air from it, and make sure you've got a cloth and bucket handy.
Check the boiler pressure after you've bled the radiators, as this process can lower the pressure.
DON'T SKIP REGULAR SERVICE CHECKS
Annual boiler service is essential, so don't skip it.
The technician will be able to diagnose any problems, and can even report major risks, like carbon monoxide leaks from gas boilers.
Plus, an engineer should be able to make a repair right away if necessary, Boiler Guide experts wrote, unless they need to order specialized parts.
Book 30 minutes on your calendar for this vital service to keep your boiler functioning.
DON'T LET YOUR PIPES FREEZE
While the weather is warm, take on a summer project: insulating your pipes.
"Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage," the Boiler Guide pros warn, "not only to your heating system but also your home if the pipe was to burst."
Insulation is inexpensive, and it should decrease your energy consumption and heating bill in the winter.
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Don't make the mistake of leaving your pipes as-is and suffering through poor water pressure or even bursts and leaks when temperatures drop.
Take the time to tune up your boiler this summer and enjoy a maintenance-free, warm, and cozy home come fall.
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