Boiler care and maintenance guide
Boilers are a key part of your home’s hot water and heating systems, and understanding yours is the first step to proper boiler care. Keep your boiler in top condition with maintenance tips and boiler insurance.
Types of boilers explained
Most UK homes have gas boilers installed. Here are the three main types that you’re likely to find in your home.
Combi boilers
Combi (or combination) boilers are the most common boiler type. These single stand-alone units heat water directly from the cold-water main supply. That means there’s no need for a separate water cylinder or hot water tank. Combi boilers generally cost less than other boiler types as they’re energy-efficient and cheaper to install.
Advantages of combi boilers:
- On-demand heating and hot water.
- Reliable and easier to maintain.
- Single unit makes for easy installation.
- Energy efficient.
- More compact than other boilers, saving space.
Disadvantages of combi boilers:
- Less mains pressure could reduce water flow.
- Incompatible with solar water heating systems.
- Could affect hot water supply if more than one tap is being used at once.
Conventional boilers
Also known as a regular, open-vent or heat-only boiler, this boiler type only provides heating to your home. They connect to a separate hot water cylinder that heats up water then transports it to a separate cold water storage tank. Conventional boilers are ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms.
Advantages of conventional boilers:
- Provide a higher water flow rate.
- Allow multiple hot water uses at the same time.
- Ideal for homes with greater hot water demands.
- Work well with solar water heating systems.
Disadvantages of conventional boilers:
- No hot water on demand means waiting for hot water.
- Less compatible with some new central heating systems.
- Requires plenty of space for a hot water cylinder and cold water tank.
- Heat is lost when the water is stored in the cylinder, making them less efficient.
Sealed system boilers
Like conventional boilers, sealed system boilers provide heating and hot water through a boiler and separate hot water cylinder. But they don’t have a cold water tank. Instead, the components found in a tank are already built into a sealed system boiler itself. This boiler type is also referred to as a closed-vent boiler or system boiler.
Advantages of sealed system boilers:
- Work well with underfloor heating.
- Suitable for homes with multiple bathrooms.
- No cold water tank can help to save space.
Disadvantages of sealed system boilers:
- Don’t provide on-demand hot water.
- Water flow rate depends on the main pressure.
- May be more expensive to install than a combi or conventional.
- Can take a while to reheat if the hot water in the cylinder is used up.
More Information
Boiler care and maintenance tips
Boilers do a lot of work to provide your home with heating and hot water. This can sometimes lead to breakdowns and faults. Take a look at our boiler care and maintenance tips to keep common boiler issues at bay.
Regular servicing
Boilers need a check-up every now and again – once a year to be exact. Having an annual boiler service plan can allow your boiler to last longer, saving you money in the long run. Make sure you use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer for the service. They will check the basic safety of your boiler, carry out performance tests and repair anything if needed.
It’s worth scheduling your boiler service before temperatures drop. The last thing you need is a boiler breakdown during the winter months.
Bleed your radiators
Radiators that feel colder at the bottom than at the top may have air trapped inside. Bleeding your radiators is a simple yet effective way to release the air and reduce the strain on your boiler.
To bleed your radiators, follow these simple steps:
- Turn off your heating system.
- Identify the bleed valve (normally at the top of the radiator).
- Insert your radiator key into the valve and turn counterclockwise.
- Listen out for a hissing sound as the trapped air escapes.
- Catch any water released from the bleed valve in a cup or container.
- Turn the radiator key clockwise to close the bleed valve.
Check the pressure
Durable as they are, boilers can lose pressure over time. Regularly checking the pressure gauge is an essential part of boiler care. Simply inspect the dial in the front of your boiler. The right boiler pressure is between 1 and 2 bar. Any below this, and you will need to adjust it as necessary. This should help to maintain the correct pressure, improve your boiler’s performance and keep your house toasty.
Check your boiler regularly
Most times your boiler will tell you if something is wrong. Checking for warning signs can prevent maintenance issues becoming bigger problems, including:
- Leaks
- Cracks
- Sooty marks
- Strange noises
Looking out for these signs and making sure that external vents are clear can help prevent further damage and mitigate safety risks.
If your boiler experiences irreversible damage, it might be worth investing in a new one. The cost of a new boiler may seem high, but they can offer long-term savings. Alternatively, you can see about repairs and replacements with boiler cover.
Insulate pipes
External pipes can freeze in the cold months, which can heavily impact your boiler. Before winter settles in, invest in some ready-made pipe lagging and slip them over your pipes. If you’re already too late and your pipe is frozen, you can pour warm water over it to thaw it out. But prevention is always better than cure, so consider keeping your heating on a low setting to prevent freezing in the future.
Gas safety
Faulty boilers can release carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless, tasteless poisonous gas that is harmful to the body. Since our senses can’t detect this, it’s extremely important to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted near your boiler. This should be checked every month to make sure it’s working properly.
Protecting your home from carbon monoxide leaks starts and ends with boiler care. One simple alarm check can be a life saver.
Get Home Emergency Cover
As part of our home insurance, our home emergency optional extra covers you for home emergencies, including boiler and heating system breakdowns.
With our Home Emergency Cover, you can get round-the-clock assistance if disaster strikes – whether it’s a broken boiler or frozen pipe. We’ll then send one of our authorised contractors to save the day, saving you time, money and worry. Home emergency cover comes as standard with our home plus level of home insurance. Take a look at what is and isn’t covered in our policy documents.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new boiler cost?
Boilers are long-lasting and can be very expensive. General maintenance and repair costs can also be high. You can get Home Emergency Cover as an optional extra with our home insurance, which covers you for home emergencies, including boiler and heating system breakdowns.
How often should a boiler be replaced?
A well-maintained boiler can last around 15 years , and even longer with an annual boiler service plan. Older boilers need to work harder to heat your home, and a reduced energy efficiency could make them more costly. If you suspect your boiler needs replacing, speak to a gas-safety engineer.
What are the signs you need a new boiler
Signs that you need a new boiler include:
- An unusual smell
- Rising energy bills
- Frequent breakdowns
- Reduced pressure
- A yellow flame
- Long wait times for radiators to heat
Speak to a gas-safety engineer if your boiler needs inspecting.
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