Winter is less than a week away, and it’s a time when temperatures will regularly go below zero. Due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, along with some pensioners seeing their heating allowance payment cut, millions across Britain will struggle to heat their homes.

However, there are ways to make your boiler more efficient, which helps keep your home warm and your energy bills low. This can range from regularly cleaning your boiler to bleeding radiators.

To give you a helping hand, our Boiler Expert, Joshua Houston, has shared five top tips below.

When going about your regular cleaning, make sure that your boiler is on the list. This is because dust (along with other substances) builds up on the boiler’s surface. Regular cleaning prevents rust, which ultimately increases the lifespan of your boiler before needing to be replaced. The average cost of a new boiler in the UK is between £1,500 and £3,500, but it can be more. So following this simple tip could save you thousands, which is particularly important in the run-up to Christmas.

If you’re struggling to get hot water at a good temperature and speed, then there might be a problem with your boiler pressure. You can check this by looking at the pressure gauge, which should be located on or next to your boiler. The ideal pressure is between 1 and 2 bar. If it’s less than that then there is most likely a leak. But if it reads more than two then you need to bleed your radiators to reduce the pressure.

Increasing your boiler pressure is very simple. First, you need to search for a valve in the pipework. Once this has been located, open it a little and you should see the pressure beginning to rise. Continue to do this until the gauge reads between 1 and 1.5, then close the valve. 

When the temperature outside goes below zero, water can freeze inside pipes, which forces your boiler to work harder. In some cases, this can cause the pipes to burst, leaving an expensive repair bill. To prevent this, you can use foam tubes that can be picked up for as little as a couple of pounds. Simply put the tubes around your pipes to keep them warm, and reduce heat loss. This means that your boiler won’t have to work as hard, as your water will stay warmer for longer, saving you money.

Bleeding your radiators increases their performance. You can test each radiator in your home by turning on your heating to see if they have cold spots. Any radiators that do will need bleeding.

Firstly, ensure that your central heating system is turned off. This will allow the radiator (and the water inside) to cool down, reducing the risk of burns and a water leakage. Then locate the bleed valve on the radiator. The bleed valve is a small square peg or a round knob, and it may be concealed under a plastic cap.

Place a small bowl or towel below the radiator to catch any water that may spill during the bleeding process. Hold another cloth or towel directly below the valve as you do the next step. Insert the radiator key or screwdriver into the bleed valve and slowly turn it anticlockwise. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Keep the valve open until the hissing stops and water drops start to flow out. 

Once the water appears, quickly close the bleed valve by turning it clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten, though, as this can damage the valve. You can now turn your heating back on and enjoy fully functioning heating!

Your boiler is a crucial part of your home, so you must make sure that it is regularly serviced. A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to spot any issues, and if they’re early enough, stop a minor problem from becoming major. They can also clean the inside of the boiler, which often becomes overrun with dust, causing blockages. You should aim to get your boiler serviced at least once a year, or when you think there might be a problem.

‘’We’re all looking for ways in which we can reduce our monthly outgoings. Making our boilers more efficient will mean they don't have to work as hard, resulting in a lower energy bill at the end of the month.

Not only this but taking care of your boiler will help prevent more major damage. It will increase the lifespan of your boiler which will save you money on a replacement or repairs.’’