A reliable heating system is a beacon of warmth and comfort this time of year. But, as every professional installer knows, heating systems are not immune to issues.
Of course, we know you know your stuff! But we also recognise just how busy you are – especially this time of year. To help, we’ve created some top tips for you to pass to your customers.
By helping your homeowner customers to identify common problems, and by providing them with some troubleshooting tips, you can make sure that their heating systems run smoothly, providing warmth and peace of mind throughout the cold season.
Problem: The boiler is not turning on
There’s nothing worse than expecting a toasty home and realising your heating system isn’t delivering.
Solution: There are a few things to try if your heating system isn’t warming up:
- Check the thermostat to ensure it is set to the desired temperature. If your home is already at the temperature set, the boiler won’t come on! If your boiler doesn’t respond to a thermostat, make sure it’s switched on with new batteries, and you have working WI-FI (where applicable)
- For gas boilers, check the pilot light is lit. If it doesn’t come back on by restarting/resetting your boiler, call a Gas Safe Engineer to have a look.
- Boilers naturally lose pressure over time, so if yours isn’t working, check the pressure gauge to ensure it hasn’t dropped too low. British Gas has some handy tips on resolving the most common boiler pressure problems.
- Check your condensate pipe isn’t frozen. This outdoor pipe is connected to your boiler. A frozen pipe may lead to a blockage that will stop your boiler from working. You can usually safely thaw your condensate pipe by pouring warm (not boiling) water along it. But, if you are in any doubt, call a plumber or heating engineer.
- If you have an electric furnace, your power could be out. Check if your lights and electrical appliances are working, and check your consumer unit (fuse box) to ensure you don’t have a tripped switch. You should also ensure the boiler hasn’t been switched off by mistake!
Problem: The heating is uneven
If some rooms are warm while others feel like an icebox, your heating system may need some TLC.
Solution: There are a few things to try if your heating system is uneven:
- If you have a warm air heating system, ensure all vents and registers are open and unblocked to allow for proper airflow.
- If your radiators take too long to heat up or have cold spots, consider bleeding them or getting a professional to give them a good check and clean.
- If your system has a leak, your radiators won’t heat up properly. Contact a qualified Gas Safe heating engineer to investigate.
- If your water isn’t heating up, your diverter valve could be broken. Depending on demand, this valve diverts the water to your radiators, your hot water outlets, or both. Call a plumber or heating engineer to investigate.
Problem: There are strange noises
If your heating system starts banging, rattling, or clanking, it’s a sign that something might be amiss.
Solution: There are a few things to try if your heating system is making unnecessary noises:
- If you have a hot water radiator system, air bubbles can cause strange noises. Bleeding the radiators will release any trapped air.
- If you’re hearing rattling or popping sounds from the pipes, it’s time for investigation by a professional.
So, there you have it, we hope your customers will appreciate these tips to help them tackle any heating system issues they face this winter. And of course, providing your customers with some added value will place you far ahead of your competition in 2024!
Don’t forget to remind them that, if problems persist, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional plumbing & heating engineer for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs!