It may get forgotten about at
times, but central heating is an essential part of any home, especially during
winter. It keeps us warm and toasty, stops us from getting winter-related
illnesses and an efficient heating system can help us save money on our energy
bills too.
The inner workings of our central
heating and boiler may be a complicated mystery to some, and when problems
begin to occur, it can be unfathomable to know where to start. Do you call out
an expert engineer straight away? Or, do you persevere in an attempt to fix
things yourself? You may not be a naturally gifted handyman, but there are ways
of identifying common heating system problems. And, sometimes, these can be
easily fixed without a huge maintenance bill or annoying call out charge.
From central heating power flushes
to maintaining a gas boiler, Aqua Gas are experts in central heating and can
help you identify problems ready for the cold winter and spring months. Here
are a few common problems that can occur with your heating or boiler systems.
Common
problems with your central heating system
There are so many problems that can occur with your central
heating system over time. Here are the most common faults that can arise, how
to check your system for signs and advice on how to fix them.
Cold
taps and radiators
If your hot water taps are cold or your radiators are cool
all over, it could mean there are some issues that need fixing. Before jumping
to conclusions, however, check that your thermostat is definitely on and is
working efficiently at temperatures between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius. If not,
there are a few things you can do.
A heating system is powered by a boiler that sends heat
through the house. In winter, it’s advised that you don’t turn the boiler off.
However, if it’s not working anyway, try the age-old trick of turning it off
and on again and it could work wonders. Wait half an hour before inspecting
your systems once again. Test the hot water by running it for two minutes or
carefully warm your hands near the radiator or cautiously touch the pipes. If
you feel no heat from either radiator or running water, it probably means a
deeper and more complicated problem.
It may be time to call out an engineer. However, if you’re
feeling brave or you understand a little more about boilers, you could inspect
a bit further. For example, the motorised diverter valve or the pump could be
malfunctioning. Whether it’s stopped working entirely or needs a little TLC,
consider giving it a quick and gentle clean and turning either mechanism off
and on again.
If these things don’t seem to help, it could be there is a
mechanical failure, a blockage or trapped air. Consider that, if the system is
powered by electricity, a fuse may have blown too. If you can’t work out the
problem, it may require an engineer’s assistance and a professional should be
called.
Other radiator problems
Occasionally, your radiator may not shut down entirely.
Instead, you may find the pipes only heat up at the bottom or the top.
If your radiator is only warm at
the bottom, chances are you’ll need to take some time to “bleed it”. To do
this, you’ll need a radiator key; you’ll surely have one lying around somewhere
or else you can cheaply purchase one at any large supermarket or DIY store.
Before starting the process, make sure you turn off your heating first and
place a bowl or bucket underneath where you’re working to collect any dirty
water that escapes the pipes. Locate the square brass nut where your key should
easily fit onto and turn the nut until you hear air escaping, but try and avoid
turning the valve more than 90 degrees.
However, if your radiator is warm
at the top and cold at the bottom, there could be a blockage somewhere within
your radiator that needs to be flushed out. Or, it could be down to a broken
pump or badly designed system, in which case you may need to call the
professionals to fix it and potentially redesign your system for you.
System
pressure and other boiler problems
There are numerous problems that can occur with a boiler but
the most common is a complete loss or lack of system pressure. Usually due to a
water leak or lack of air in the system, a pressure loss can hinder your
boilers working ability. If you feel like your heating is not working up to
standard and you’ve tried other means of getting it back, check the boiler’s
pressure gauge as this could be the culprit and an engineer will need to be
called.
As well as pressure problems, there are many issues you can
look or listen out for when it comes to your boilers working efficiency
including strange noises such as banging, whistling or gurgling (also known as
kettling) that is caused by a build-up of limescale and frozen pipes caused by
condensation.
Occasionally, a boiler can switch itself off. Always double
check any fuse boxes too, in case switches haven’t tripped. If you think your
boiler needs it, press the reset button or, if your boiler was made before
2004, reset the pilot light.
Electric
vs gas central heating
If you believe there are problems with your heating systems
and boiler, it’s good to know what kind of boiler you have before inspecting it
or calling out an engineer.
More often than not, gas boilers will cause more maintenance
problems than electric. Arguably low maintenance and less expensive to install,
an electric system is programmed in a more sophisticated way. For example,
there will be multiple thermostats and less noise that would come from a gas
boiler. Because of this, an electric boiler will prove little hassle compared
to a gas one - so if you’ve got a problem, chances are you’ll own a gas system
instead.
There are many added benefits to owning an electric system
too. As well as being low maintenance, electric boilers are better for the
environment as there are zero emissions, there is no chance of carbon monoxide
poisoning and it can save money on heating bills also.
If your central heating and gas boiler is getting too much
when it comes to repairs, why not invest in a new system and switch to electric
instead?
Aqua Gas - providing
comprehensive central heating repair services in
Sheffield
At Aqua Gas, we understand that your boiler and heating system
can make
your house a home, providing you and your family with a safe and comforting
place to enjoy coming back to. Based in and operating around Sheffield, Aqua
Gas can perform comprehensive checks, maintenance and repairs on all central
heating systems and boilers, from conventional to combi.
As well as central heating and boiler breakdowns, we are
able to carry out plumbing and bathroom services for homeowners and landlords
across Sheffield. As Gas Safe registered engineers, we offer an emergency
callout service that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 07587 133 582.
Whether you’re in need of professional boiler repairs, a new
plumbing system, bathroom installation services or a Landlord gas safety
certificate, Aqua Gas can help you today. Visit our website to find out more or get
in touch
today.
