As temperatures rise and people turn off their heating for the summer months, Alex Mayer, Managing Director of Boiler Servicing 24-7 looks at why now is the time to check heating systems.
While we are only just starting to switch off our central heating after what has, in parts, been a particularly cool start to spring, the last thing on most people’s minds is gearing up for next winter.
But if we leave it until the cold returns, how many of us will discover too late that there is a problem, old radiators have come to the end of their lives, or a fault means the entire heating system needs replacing.
Cost aside, there is the inconvenience of having to have your boiler or radiators replaced when you need them most. While it is bad enough for those of us lucky enough to enjoy good health, it is much harder for those whose home includes a young child or an elderly person whose health could suffer in the cold.
So, it is worth considering and finding out now whether your home’s heating system needs work. There is a lot to be said for peace of mind. In addition, we still need hot water during the summer months for everyday household tasks such as washing up or running a bath; the ubiquity of the combi boiler means we rely on our heating system for this.
A radiator has a lifespan of around 30 years so and while the design of your standard, steel panel radiator hasn’t changed much over that time, there has been a revolution in designer products for heating a home.
The makeover TV culture has led to a focus upon aesthetics that has sent designers into overdrive. Now a radiator, which is a must-have in most homes, can also add to the décor and make a practical household necessity something that is great to look at.
With boilers, it is an opportunity based around efficiency. A modern boiler is likely to cost far less to run than one installed a decade or more ago, leading to long term savings on energy bills.
Likewise, whilst it has been around since Roman times, underfloor heating systems are less expensive and more efficient than ever, taking the visual element out of heating.
Let’s not forget that, even if you find there is no issue with your existing system, an annual service will keep it running more efficiently and effectively.
Don’t leave it too late and risk avoidable coldness in the home, think about your heating this summer.
Alex Mayer is Managing Director of Berkshire based plumbing services company Boiler Servicing 24-7. Website: www.boilerservicing24-7.com or call 01753 569 229.