These tips can help ensure your boiler lasts longer (Image: Getty)
A functioning boiler can be the difference between you home feeling nice and cosy or being freezing cold.
Installing a new one can be costly, and so it is important to keep yours going for as long as possible.
Luckily, an expert has shared their top tips for extending your boiler’s life and keep it operating reliably.
Matthew Jenkins at says that “a bit of care and attention” ensuress the equipment stays “running smoothly for many years to come”.
He adds: “This will not only save you a considerable amount of money on costly replacements, but also helps to ensure your home remains comfortable and warm.”
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It’s important to properly maintain your boiler (Image: Getty)
Regular servicing
Mr Jenkins urges housholds to check their boiler as they would their car with an MOT.
He said: “An annual service carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer is very important.
“These professionals possess the expertise to meticulously inspect every component, from the burner and heat exchanger to the flue and controls.”
The expert added: “During a boiler service, the engineer will check for gas leaks, assess the efficiency of the boiler, clean key components, and ensure the pressure and controls are all working correctly.
“This not only prolongs the boiler’s life by preventing wear and tear but also keeps your warranty valid.”
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Bleed your radiators
Trapped air in radiators can “significantly hinder” the circulation of hot water throughout a home’s heating system.
This will then “force your boiler to work harder than it needs to”.
Mr Jenkins said: “This inefficiency will not only waste energy, but it also contributes to premature wear and tear on your boiler’s components.
“Bleeding your radiators is a simple yet effective task that you can easily do yourself.
“If you notice any cold spots, particularly at the top of the radiators, it’s a tell-tale sign that they need bleeding.
“All you need is a radiator bleed key – you can get these from any DIY shop.”
Keeping an eye on your radiators also helps (Image: Getty)
Keep the pressure right
The pressure gauge on your boiler should be ideally within the recommended range at all times. This is usually between one and 1.5 bar.
Mr Jenkins warned: “Low boiler pressure can prevent it from firing up altogether, leaving you without heating or hot water.
“On the other hand, excessively high pressure can put undue strain on the system, potentially leading to leaks and component failure.”
Power flushing
Over time, rust, sludge, and other bits of debris can accumulate in a heating system’s pipes and radiators, which can restrict the water flow and “significantly reduce efficiency”.
“This buildup not only negatively affects the performance of the radiators,” Mr Jenkins said, “but it can also damage some of the vital components within your boiler, such as the heat exchanger.”
He added: “A power flush is a much more intensive cleaning process that is carried out by a professional heating engineer. It is like a deep clean for your central heating system.
“It involves flushing the system with a powerful chemical cleaning agent to effectively remove these stubborn deposits, restoring efficient circulation and dramatically improving boiler performance.”
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
TRVs prevent you from needlessly heating empty rooms, experts say, which saves energy and reduces the workload on your boiler.
Mr Jenkins said: “Investing in TRVs is a relatively small cost that can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time. TRVs contribute to a more efficient heating system, reducing wear and tear on your boiler and ultimately prolonging its lifespan because you can choose to only heat the rooms you’re using.
“They also provide greater comfort control, allowing you to tailor the temperature in each room to your preferences.”
Not following the expert’s advice could mean you paying out sooner for a new boiler (Image: Getty)
Insulation
The specialist also advises ensuring effective cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, which can act as a barrier against heat loss, and prevent warmth from escaping through the walls and roof of your home.
Mr Jenkins said: “This means your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, reducing wear and tear on its components and significantly extending its lifespan.”
Use boiler regularly
Despite seeming counterproductive, using your boiler regularly, even during the warmer summer months, can actually be beneficial for its long-term health, Mr Jenkins advises.
“Infrequent use can lead to parts seizing up, corrosion developing, and seals drying out,” he adds.
Protect boiler from frost
Frost can cause serious damage to your heating system.
Mr Jenkins said: “Making sure your boiler is adequately insulated is important, especially if it’s located in a cold space like a garage, loft, or unheated utility room.
“Consider installing frost protection thermostats that will automatically activate the boiler if the temperature drops too low, preventing freezing and protecting your investment.”
Keep an eye on the flame
A healthy flame should burn in a “crisp, even blue colour”.
But a yellow or orange flame could indicate a problem, such as a dirty burner, insufficient gas supply, or a more serious issue requiring professional attention.
Mr Jenkins said: “If you notice any unusual flame colours, or if the flame is flickering or uneven, it’s best to call a Gas Safe registered engineer to investigate and rectify the problem.”
Know your boiler
Refer to your boiler’s manual, it is advised, which contains detailed instructions for operation, troubleshooting tips, maintenance recommendations, and important safety information.
Mr Jenkins added: “Make sure to take some time to familiarise yourself with the boiler manual as it could save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
“Understanding your boiler’s specific requirements will enable you to take better care of it and ensure its longevity.”