frequently asked questions about Heating services and engineers...
It is encouraged that all home and property owners have their boilers serviced at least once a year to keep them safe, efficient, and in good working order. Annual servicing helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, maintain your warranties, and meet the legal needs of local landlords. If you notice unusual noises, leaks, or reduced heating, get it checked sooner.
There are a few ways to tell if your boiler is in need of replacements or repairs. To start, if your boiler begins to leak, make unusual noises, lose pressure, struggle to heat your water, or breaks down often, it may need repairs or replacement. Strange smells and higher energy bills can also signal a problem. If it’s over 10-15 years old or repairs are frequent and costly, replacing it could be more efficient.
If you find that your radiator isn't heating up properly, this can sometimes be due to air trapped in the system, sludge build-up, or a faulty valve. If you know how to do so yourself, you can try bleeding the radiator to release any trapped air - this is a job you can DIY, but if you're too unsure, you can always contact our professionals. If only one part or side of the radiator is warm, sludge may be blocking the flow. A stuck thermostatic valve could also prevent heating. If the issue persists, a heating engineer can diagnose and fix the problem.
Noticing strange noises coming from your boiler, such as banging, whistling, or gurgling, may indicate issues like air in the system, low water pressure, or limescale build-up (which is also referred to as kettling). Banging sounds could be due to a faulty pump or trapped debris, whereas whistling can often point to issues like overheating. If the noises persist, it’s always a wise idea to have a heating engineer inspect the boiler to prevent further damage.
A power flush is a useful deep cleaning process that removes sludge, rust, and debris from the insides of your central heating system to improve its efficiency. It is often needed if you begin to notice cold spots on your radiators, noisy pipes, discoloured water when bleeding radiators, or frequent boiler issues. A power flush can restore proper heat circulation and help avoid any further damage to your system.
To stop your pipes from freezing in the winter, you should aim to keep your heating on at a low setting, especially in cold weather. We also recommend getting any exposed pipes insulated with foam lagging and always leaving your loft or cupboard doors open to allow warm air to circulate. If you’re away from home, set the thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature. Running taps every once in a while can also help prevent freezing.
The best heating system for your home depends on your property size, insulation, and energy efficiency needs. Gas boilers are commonly used for central heating, while electric boilers suit homes without gas connections. Heat pumps are energy-efficient and often more environmentally-friendly than other systems, yet they have a higher upfront cost. Underfloor heating works well in well-insulated homes.
If you're still unsure what system would be best for your home and its needs, give our team a call. One of our heating engineers will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable options.