When it comes to making sure your home stays warm throughout winter, preparation is key. Checking whether your oil boiler and central heating system are ready for the cold weather ahead can help ensure your home stays warm and cosy until spring.
Our guide has plenty of useful tips so you can take any precautionary measures sooner rather than later, and avoid any unwanted breakdowns. Take a look to find out more.
1. Schedule a Service with an OFTEC-Registered Engineer
Scheduling an annual boiler service is an important step to making sure your oil boiler runs safely and efficiently throughout winter. A professional service from an OFTEC-registered engineer can also help to prevent future issues, such as your oil boiler not firing up in cold weather.
You can of course book one on a more regular basis. Our guide to boiler services will tell you everything you need to know about boiler servicing. Or you can act now and request a quote for your boiler service today.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
To make sure your radiators are as effective as possible, you may need to bleed your radiators. By bleeding your radiator, you are removing trapped air that can prevent hot water from circulating as well as it should.
How can I tell if a radiator needs bleeding?
If your radiators feel cooler at the top than they do at the bottom, it is a sign that trapped air is preventing them from heating up effectively.
3. Check the Boiler Pressure
It’s important to make sure your boiler pressure is as it should be. Low pressure can impact your central heating and prevent it from working properly, while high pressure can put a strain on your boiler.
To check your boiler pressure, look at the pressure gauge and make sure that the reading on the dial is in the correct range. If the pressure is too high or too low, you may need to bleed your boiler.
Does boiler pressure drop in cold weather?
Yes, the boiler pressure can drop in cold weather for a number of reasons including:
- Frozen pipes preventing water from reaching the boiler
- The pilot light going out causing a loss of heat and pressure
- Parts being put under increased stress which causes faults
5. Make Sure You Have Enough Heating Oil
A problem that is easy to avoid is to make sure you don’t run out of fuel. Make sure you have a healthy heating oil supply, and keep track of how much you have left.
Our reliable delivery service also operates all year round. If you do need additional heating oil in the winter months, you can get a quote and place an order in a few simple steps.
6. Test Your Heating System Before Cold Weather Sets In
Even if it is still warm outside, it’s a good idea to start up your boiler for a test run. By leaving it on for around 15 minutes, you will be able to check if your oil boiler is working properly or whether any problems need a professional opinion.
7. Check Your Thermostat Settings
By setting your thermostat at an appropriate temperature, you can make sure your boiler is running efficiently.
What temperature should my boiler be set at in winter?
As tempting as it may be to turn up your heating during cold weather, try to lower the temperature a few degrees and maintain a moderate setting. Between 60ºC (140ºF) and 70ºC (158ºF) should be comfortable, but you can probably lower your thermostat to between 50ºC and 55ºC in milder weather.
8. Insulate Your Pipes and Boiler Ahead of Freezing Weather
Insulating pipes and your boiler can keep your system running efficiently and help prevent any issues during freezing weather. For instance, a frozen condensate pipe can cause your boiler to stop working altogether, causing an unexpected oil boiler lockout in cold weather.
For tips on preventing your pipes and heating oil from freezing take a look at our helpful blog.
Is Your Oil Boiler Ready for Winter?
By following our essential tips you can look forward to a warm and cosy winter home.
However, if you think your boiler needs updating before the cold weather hits, our experts can advise on the right modern boiler for your home as well as provide quality boiler installation from our experienced team.
