If your boiler isn’t working as it should just as the weather is turning cold, fixing it should be a priority. Here are five more boiler issues that you may be experiencing, and what they mean.
Frozen pipes
With an extreme cold spell comes the chance of frozen pipes. This is often the case with condensing boilers which usually have a wastewater pipe leading outside. When the cold snap hits, these types of pipes can freeze causing your boiler to stop working and large areas of the country to be without water. You can thaw your pipes using warm water, but this should only be attempted if you feel comfortable doing so.
Kettling
Kettling relates to the sound your boiler can make when there is a build up of limescale. It sounds just like a kettle boiling due to the restriction causing the water to overheat. When kettling occurs your boiler works harder and may need to be flushed by a registered engineer to prevent it from needing to be replaced sooner than expected.
Thermostat not working
Old thermostats can often have issues over time which simply mean that they need replacing. However, before rushing out to buy a new heating system, you should check that your thermostat settings are all correct. If everything seems fine, you may need a new thermostat or it may be time to invest in a professional Forest of Dean boiler installation if that’s your area of the country. Companies such as http://greenplanetheating.org/heating-installations/ can advise what your home will benefit from, so it is worth getting in touch if you are looking for an upgrade to your heating system.
Boiler switching off
If your boiler seems to have a mind of its own and insists on switching itself off, a number of issues could be at fault. Check the water pressure and ensure that the valves remain open. If you can’t find the root of the problem, an engineer should take a look.
Radiators staying cold
This is a common problem which stems from air or sludge blocking the hot water from rising within the radiator. You should be able to fix this yourself by bleeding the affected radiators. If only certain radiators do not heat up, they may need balancing, a job that can be done without calling out an engineer.