Keeping your home warm is a technical issue: if your boiler doesn't fail, you're guaranteed to have heat . But it's also an economic issue: your heating consumption is equivalent to approximately 25% of your annual energy expenditure .
If you don't want to shiver or waste energy, you should pay special attention to the periodic maintenance of your boiler. The formula is simple: Breakdown = Cold + Expense .
The official boiler review
The regulations are clear and indicate that if you have a boiler in your home you must have it checked at least once every 2 years.
It is very important that you do not confuse the boiler inspection with the inspection of the gas installation:
The inspection only affects your boiler and is mandatory every 2 years (although all maintenance insurance includes the annual inspection). You are free to choose who has to do it: you can take out insurance or call an authorized technician directly.
The inspection of the installation covers the gas meter, pipes, valves, rubber seals, etc. It is mandatory every 5 years . Your gas distribution company is responsible for notifying you when it is your turn. You decide whether you want them to carry out the inspection (they will charge you for it as an added part of the bill) or if you prefer to use an authorized inspector.
“Proper heating maintenance allows you to save 10% on consumption.”
10 tips to make your boiler perform at its best
Cleanliness is the key. Your boiler works better if it is clean. Also check for soot, as excess soot could be due to poor combustion. And while you're at it, check the seals to make sure there are no unwanted air inlets (they reduce the boiler's efficiency).
Check the vents and make sure they are not blocked. Make sure they are always clean and clear.
A well-connected boiler is a happy boiler. Check the electrical connection, gas pipes and water inlet/outlet connections.
The correct pressure. In most models, the normal pressure of your boiler is between 1.2 and 1.5 bars . Switch it on, wait a few minutes and check that it is within these parameters. If the pressure is higher, "bleed" one of the radiators to reduce it. If the pressure is too low, open the valve slightly to bring more water into the heating circuit.
Consider your temperature . This is crucial for your comfort and your wallet. We recommend maintaining a temperature of 18ºC when you are going to be away from home for a few hours, and also while you sleep. greece whatsapp number During the hours when you are going to be active at home, a good reference is to stay around 21ºC. That said, you should know that the cost increases by 7% for each degree more you need. If you dress appropriately, it should be perfectly possible for you to spend a pleasant winter in a house that never exceeds 20ºC.
Pay attention to your radiators. You need to bleed them to remove the air that has accumulated inside them. Take a suitable screwdriver (on some radiators, the edge of a coin will do) and a container so as not to soak the carpet. Slowly turn the bleed valve on all radiators. You will hear a hissing sound. When the sound stops and drops of water start to come out, close the bleed valve. This will ensure that your radiators heat evenly and make better use of energy. A tip: if the radiators are hot at the bottom and colder at the top, it means air has entered. You know what to do...
If you are going to be away for a while , turn off the main gas valve.
Contact authorized personnel if you have any questions or for any modifications you may wish to make.
Beware of gas inspection scams . Only you decide who inspects your boiler and when. You are the boss.
If you smell gas, immediately open doors and windows; do not operate any electrical switches, turn off the gas valve and call the emergency services.
The warmest tranquility
You have too many things to think about every day. Don't make heating service checks just another thing. Don't worry about it with maintenance insurance that includes an annual boiler check and a technician at your service who will show up at your home in less than 3 hours. At any time of day, any day of the year.
