Experts are calling on people to turn their boiler on occasionally throughout the summer to help save money in the long run.
While it may seem strange to switch the heating on during summer, experts say it’s the only way to know if there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with. This especially the case with older boilers and can increase the longevity of your whole heating system.
With bills already soaring to unheard of levels money is tight for people all across Wales. You can read a special report into the poorest part of Wales here. The natural reaction to these spiralling prices is to keep your heating off for as we head into the autumn.
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However, a spokesman from Boiler Central pointed out that this could be a false economy. He said: “ Most homeowners believe turning their boiler off as soon as summertime hits should be a given, but this is far from the case. Turning your boiler off for long periods can cause more harm than good, which is why it is important to turn your heating on now and again. This will protect the internal workings of older and modern boiler and prevent them from seizing up.
“If you turn your boiler off at the beginning of May and don’t turn the central heating on again until the months of autumn, you may have trouble bringing your boiler completely back to life. This will affect appliances such as your central heating, hot water for your mains shower, and some washing machines that can take hot water from the boiler. In the worst-case scenario, parts may need to be replaced, which will cost both time and money – especially if you need to hire a central heating specialist for the job.”
Sh ould I turn my boiler off during summer?
As soon as the weather starts to warm up, there’s nothing wrong with switching your boiler off to save energy and money, however, make sure you don’t leave it off for long periods of time.
Boiler Central advises that for best results, turn it on once every few weeks for an hour or so. Although this requires a little effort, it will prevent you from having to get a repairman out when autumn arrives, due to parts seizing up, radiators no longer working, and thus being left with cold water in the winter. The cost of repairing a broken boiler could leave you forking out hundreds of pounds, and if you need a new one installing, it could be over £1,000.
If you rely on your boiler for water usage, combi boilers can be left on during the summer and will not use any gas unless you need some hot water. To ensure you’re saving money and energy, set it to provide hot water when your household is most likely to need it, or you can even turn it on an hour just before intended use. This is particularly the case for those who have washing machines or a power shower that relies on a boiler to provide hot water.
Does your boiler have a "summer mode" to help save you money?
It’s also worth checking if your boiler has a "summer mode" and a "winter mode". These are commonly found on combi boilers. The summer mode lowers fuel wastage by heating your water only a handful of times throughout the day, as opposed to having to turn the boiler completely off. This can help to keep the cost of your energy bills down and help to reduce your carbon footprint.
Should I get my boiler serviced in summer?
Just as cars require regular maintenance, boilers do too. This is especially true if you have an older boiler and one you rely on for hot water. If you leave your boiler on the side lines for an extended period throughout the hotter months, when it’s a little too toasty for central heating, you could risk ruining the pipes through corrosion and lack of use.
Getting your boiler serviced in the warmer months, therefore, makes perfect sense. For best results, book servicing in-between July and early September.
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