New Gas Boiler: When Does It Need Its First Service?

When it comes to maintaining your home’s heating system, one of the most important steps is servicing your gas boiler. A gas boiler is a vital part of your home’s heating system and needs to be serviced regularly to ensure that it works safely and efficiently. 

But when does a new gas boiler need its first service?

The answer depends on your boiler type, but generally, a new boiler should be serviced at least once a year. Most manufacturers recommend that their boilers be serviced by a qualified engineer at least once a year. This helps to ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently and that any potential problems are identified and fixed before they become serious.

It is also important to remember that a new boiler needs to be serviced more frequently than an older boiler. This is because a new boiler has not been used as much as an older boiler and may be more prone to developing problems. A qualified engineer will be able to assess your boiler and identify any potential issues that may need to be fixed.

It is also important to remember that a boiler should not be serviced until it has been used for at least six months. This is to ensure that potential problems have had time to develop and can be identified and fixed before they become serious.

What Does a Boiler Service Include?

A gas boiler service is essential to home maintenance and should be done regularly to keep your boiler running efficiently and safely. The service includes a detailed inspection and maintenance of the boiler, including a check of all the components, a thorough cleaning and testing, and a safety check. A qualified engineer can perform the service, and is usually recommended annually.

Step 1: Inspection of the boiler

The first step of a gas boiler service is an inspection, which includes checking all the components and the condition of the boiler itself. This includes looking for signs of wear and tear, checking that all the pipes are in good condition, and looking for any possible leaks. The engineer will also check the pressure levels, the venting system, and the burner.

Step 2: Thorough cleaning and testing

The next step of the service is thorough cleaning and testing. This includes cleaning the outside of the boiler, removing any dust and debris, and inspecting the heat exchanger. The engineer will also check the flue, chimney, safety valves, and thermostat. The boiler will then be tested to ensure that it works correctly and safely.

Step 3: Safety Check

The last step of a gas boiler service is a safety check. This is an important step as it is necessary to ensure that the boiler is safe. The engineer will check the gas supply and ensure the boiler is correctly ventilated. They will also check the safety valve and the flue to ensure that it is in working order.

Conclusion

A gas boiler service is integral to home maintenance and should be done regularly to keep your boiler running efficiently and safely. A qualified engineer should be used to carry out the service, and it should be done annually. By carrying out this service, you are ensuring that your boiler is working correctly and safely and not putting yourself and your family at risk.

Do you need gas boiler service in Belfast? Action Plumbing and Heating is here to help. We have been operating for over 30 years and continuing, with great success, as a third-generation, family-run business. We are Belfast's No.1 gas boiler installation specialists. Contact us today!

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Important Facts You Need to Know

It is audible to no one. It isn't apparent. It has no smell, either. The silent killer, often known as carbon monoxide poisoning, is responsible for about 50 deaths annually in the UK.

This extremely lethal gas, produced by faulty and dangerous gas equipment, suddenly appears. Despite how serious carbon monoxide poisoning is, there are several steps you can take to protect your family's health and safety.

Making sure your boiler is regularly serviced is the greatest method to stop a carbon monoxide leak in your house. Once a year, maintenance and safety checks should be performed by a Gas Safe licensed gas boiler engineer near me. 

By doing this, they can maintain the system running smoothly and detect problems or potential breaches early on.

With a gas boiler service in Belfast, gas safety is something we take very seriously. Once every 24 hours, we automatically check each engineer's credentials against the official Gas Safe Register. 

Gas Safe certified engineers will provide the estimates you get with the most recent credentials and training so you can rely on them.

Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Here are the top ten facts about carbon monoxide poisoning and some safety measures you can take.

Ineffective Central Heating Systems

The two most common sources of carbon monoxide in homes are malfunctioning central heating systems and gas appliances like gas fireplaces and ovens.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Despite the challenge of diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning, there are warning indicators. The six main symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, collapsing, and losing consciousness.

Be Careful Not To Mistake It For Food Poisoning

The symptoms of food poisoning, the flu, and even viral illnesses are frequently confused with those of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Bewilderment, a rapid and irregular heartbeat, convulsions, memory loss, confusion, and even complete unconsciousness are all possible signs of severe poisoning.

Affected Parties

The elderly and children are the most at-risk demographics. If your dogs or cats display the same symptoms, carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame. Pets may also be affected.

Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide At Home

Do you have carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms in your home? Keep an eye out for things like constantly blowing pilot lights, unusually high levels of condensation on your windows, or unusually dark stains on or near your appliances.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install a carbon monoxide alarm if you don't already have one. Most reputable high-street DIY merchants, like B&Q and Homebase, sell alarms for between twenty and thirty pounds.

Reliable Services

Remember that a malfunctioning central heating boiler could be lethal. Therefore, take care to have your heating systems and gas appliances regularly maintained by a Gas Safe, licensed heating technician. Utilise only licensed gas fitters. So, check their credentials before using their services.

Actions To Do If Symptoms Are Present

If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off all gas appliances and open the windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.

Call The Physician

Right away, have yourself examined by a doctor. They can do a breath or blood test to determine whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Contacting Gas Safe Registered Engineer

Additionally, send a Gas Safe registered professional to inspect your boiler as soon as possible. Use the dubious appliance after that time.

Avoiding A Carbon Monoxide Leak

Preventative measures are the best line of defence against carbon monoxide dangers. Always ensure that a nearby Gas Safe certified professional handles periodic gas appliance testing and annual boiler maintenance.

Installing carbon monoxide alarms is an additional practical measure that could give you early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide alarms are inexpensive and easily available at your local home improvement store. 

The Gas Safe Register does not recommend using "black spot detector" warning strips because they are too noticeable and won't alert you if there is a carbon monoxide leak while you sleep.

Find a Gas Safe certified engineer today, and assess the boiler's efficiency and safety.

Conclusion 

In the winter, when individuals are more inclined to use gas boilers to heat their homes, carbon monoxide poisoning poses a major risk to public health. It is critical to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your house and to be knowledgeable about the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get fresh air and medical attention immediately if you believe you or someone else may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Action Plumbing and Heating is a third-generation, family-run company that has been operating for more than 30 years and is still doing well. We are the top company for installing gas boilers in Belfast. For a gas boiler service in Belfast, get in touch with us.

Is Your Boiler Faulty? 6 Warning Signs to Watch Out For

A boiler is an essential part of any home, providing heat and hot water year-round. But like any other appliance, boilers can break down and stop working properly. There are several signs that your boiler may be starting to develop a fault. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have a professional boiler service engineer take a look at your boiler as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and carry out any necessary repairs.

1. Your Boiler is Making Strange Noises

If your boiler starts making strange noises, it's a sign that something is wrong. Boilers should operate quietly, so any unusual noises are cause for concern. Common boiler noises that indicate a problem include banging, whistling, and hissing. If you hear any of these noises coming from your boiler, turn them off and call a boiler service engineer for help.

2. Your Boiler is Leaking Water

If your boiler is leaking water, it's a pretty clear sign that something is wrong. Depending on the severity of the leak, it may be something as simple as a loose connection that needs to be tightened. However, if the leak is severe, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger. If you notice your boiler is leaking water, it's important to shut it off and call a qualified technician to come take a look.

3. Your Boiler Doesn't Seem to be Heating Your Home as Well as it Used to 

If you notice that your boiler isn't heating your home as well as it used to, there may be a problem with the burner or the heat exchanger. These are two of the most common parts that fail on boilers, and they can both be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.

4. Your Boiler is Emitting Strange Smells 

If you notice your boiler is emitting strange smells, it's important to shut it off and call a qualified technician to come take a look. Boilers can emit a variety of different smells, some of which are harmless, while others can be indicative of a serious problem. For example, a boiler that smells like burning plastic could be overheating, while a boiler that smells like rotten eggs could have a natural gas leak.

5. Your Boiler is Cycling on and Off More Frequently than Normal

If your boiler is cycling on and off more frequently than normal, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. This could be caused by various issues, such as a dirty filter or a faulty thermostat. If you notice this happening, it's important to call a professional right away to have your boiler checked out.

6. The Pilot Light is Out

If your pilot light is out, it's a good indication that your boiler is not functioning properly. To restart your boiler, you'll need to follow the instructions in your owner's manual. If you're not sure how to do this, you can always contact a professional for help.

Conclusion

There are several signs that your boiler may be faulty. These include strange noises coming from the boiler, the boiler not igniting, the pilot light going out, the boiler not heating up, and the boiler constantly cycling on and off. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to call a qualified technician to come and take a look at your boiler.

Action Plumbing and Heating has been operating for over 30 years and continuing, with great success, as a third-generation, family-run business. We are Belfast's No.1 gas boiler installation specialists. Contact us for a gas boiler service in Belfast.

Boiler Overheating: Signs, Reasons, and Solutions

To protect your home and your health, boiler overheating is a serious concern that needs to be discussed with a gas engineer in Belfast immediately. 

Boilers are in charge of generating hot water for showers and other uses and heating water. Numerous issues, including safety risks, decreased efficiency, and higher energy costs, can arise when your boiler overheats.

Explosion risk could result from a boiler overheating condition, which is a serious issue. The good news is that modern boilers contain safety measures that prevent overheating by locking out the unit.

It is crucial to be ready. Nevertheless, in the unlikely case, these safety precautions fail. This makes it essential to understand how to spot an overheating boiler and when to call for a gas boiler service in Belfast. 

Read on to find out more information. 

What Are The Signs That A Boiler Is Overheating? 

Your boiler will lock out if it starts to overheat. The boiler will then display an error code. The error code will show if the boiler is overheating.

What Are The Reasons for A Boiler Overheating? 

If a boiler overheats and is not repaired immediately, everyone on the property and nearby is in danger. The typical causes of boiler overheating are as follows:

• Limescale Accumulation

• System Blockage

• Pump Failure

• Thermistor Problems

Let's now examine each of these reasons in more detail.

Limescale Accumulation

Your boiler could overheat if limescale accumulation on the heat exchanger hinders water flow. 

The heat exchanger's job in the heating system is to warm cooler water before it is pumped through the radiators. In addition to increasing the possibility of overheating, this could shorten the boiler's lifespan.

Because it can produce sounds resembling a kettle whistle, this limescale formation is known as kettling. Call a heating professional to clear the system of any limescale and flush out the system if you hear a kettle.

System Blockage

Strange noises coming from your central heating system shouldn't be heard because they are a sign of a clog.

Another warning sign is if any of your radiators haven't been heating up properly.

Blading the radiator can get rid of excess air that may be present in radiators that don't heat up.

A professional in heating will need to execute a power flush at the site of a significant clog. A power flush is a cleaning method that removes all waste from the central heating system, including rust and limescale. To properly and efficiently heat the space, the hot water can circulate freely around the radiators.

Pump Failure

The pump's function is to circulate water throughout the central heating system. The appliance can overheat if a fault prevents the hot water from leaving the boiler. A heating expert might be able to fix the pump, but more than likely, a new pump will be required.

Thermistor Problems

The printed circuit board (PCB) constantly checks the water's temperature to decide whether to boost or drop it in response to demand. 

If the thermistor breaks down and the water temperature rises too high, the boiler may overheat. 

A fully qualified heating specialist can only repair a thermistor, and it will probably need to be replaced.

How To Fix A Boiler That Is Too Hot

The root cause of the boiler overheating will determine how to resolve it. All of the typical causes we've mentioned above call for professional assistance.

Always work with a fully qualified specialist regarding boiler installation, maintenance, and servicing. Hiring someone without the necessary credentials could result in boiler overheating or even worse.

The law only permits Gas Safe-licensed engineers to work on gas boilers. Verify that a heating engineer is listed on the Gas Safe registry before hiring them. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID when they return to your property after that.

How To Stop A Boiler From Getting Too Hot

Prevention is preferable to treatment when it comes to a boiler overheating.

Fortunately, rust and other particles in the heating system can be removed by installing a magnetic filter before they can accumulate and cause a clog.

A central heating inhibitor might potentially be a part of the heating system. It's important to know that some manufacturers require the heating system to have inhibitor additives regularly to maintain the warranty's validity.

Finally, you might want to think about a scale reducer if you live somewhere with hard water. A scale reducer will aid in preventing the formation of limescale in the heating system because of the significant amounts of limescale in hard water.

Conclusion 

Following these suggestions, you can keep your heating system operating securely, reliably, and efficiently. Installing a new boiler in any structure with an outdated central heating system is the best way to prevent a central heating system from overheating. Lastly, look for a "gas boiler engineer near me" on Google to learn more. 

Action Plumbing and Heating has been operating for over 30 years and continuing, with great success, as a third-generation, family-run business. We are Belfast's No.1 gas boiler installation specialists. Contact us for a gas boiler service in Belfast.