Scotland's latest bout of freezing weather has highlighted the importance of being prepared for snowfall, especially at home.
Sudden spikes in weather can have impacts on a house's heating systems and may even cause damage if boilers aren't up to scratch. Fortunately, experts have explained one thing you can do when the forecasts predict freezing weather to stay warm at home.
According to the heating experts at BOXT, performing a pressure check on your boiler can keep it in tip top shape, ensuring your house stays nice and toasty. It's important that the pressure levels remain balanced as a low reading will stop it from heating water.
In contrast, too much pressure on your heating system can also keep it from heating water. An inefficient boiler will result in a chilly house, which no one wants right now, especially during a cost of living crisis.
Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, comments: "As the weather turns frosty, there is a chance the water in your boiler system could freeze if it’s not being used at all, causing a lot of damage to your heating system. It's generally advised to keep the thermostat set to a minimum of at least 10C even when you are away from home to avoid the risk of your pipes freezing."
Boiler pressure is measured by a pressure gauge, usually situated inside a panel or underneath your boiler. Most issues regarding boiler pressure won't break your heater, but it may keep your shower or bath water from staying warm.
Explaining the process, BOXT says: "Ideally, the pressure should be between 1 to 1.5 bar when the boiler is switched off, and around 2 bars when it is heating up. You can check the pressure using the gauge located on the front of the boiler unit."
If the gauge is not the right reading, there should be a valve located just under the boiler which is attached to a pipe. You can adjust the pressure by turning this until the gauge reaches a recommended number.
The specialists have also explained a few reasons why your boiler pressure may not be quite right.
If your boiler pressure is too high
According to BOXT, your boiler pressure may be too high due to the following reasons:
- Loose pressure valves - The valve that is used to adjust the boiler pressure may have loosened, so make sure that it's secured tightly.
- Your radiators need bleeding - If you find that your radiators are emitting funny noises when warming up, or have cold patches, they may be full of trapped air that needs to be released. Bleeding your radiators is an important step in maintaining adequate boiler pressure. First, make sure the heat is turned off in good time to allow them to cool completely. Next, use a radiator key to open each valve until all the air is released.
If your boiler pressure is too low
- There may be a leak - You should take a look around the home, near pipes and radiators for any damp patches. If you find any, they are likely the result of a leak, which will cause boiler pressure to drop. Luckily, once found these leaks are easily fixable. Leaks can also occur inside the boiler itself and an engineer should be called if this is the case.
- Bleeding radiators can also lower pressure - When bleeding radiators it is important to monitor the pressure gauge to make sure it doesn't drop too low. If your boiler pressure has lowered, it can be easily readjusted by opening the valve.
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