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Common Boiler Mistakes Made by Homeowners

Published: 15 Aug 2024 ・ Read time: 6 Mins
Unfortunately, when boiler problems begin to arise, a great deal of homeowners unintentionally contribute to these problems! One of the most frustrating of all appliances to go wrong, when boilers pose problems, a great deal of people will look to fixing the issues themselves.
Yet, whether as a means of saving money or time, the most common mistakes homeowners make with boilers can become more expensive later on and in some cases create potentially dangerous situations.
At City Plumbing, we’re the experts when selling all things boilers. Here we discuss some of the most common boiler mistakes made by homeowners and show you how, as a professional, you can further help your own customers avoid them.

The Importance Of Preventive Measures For Boilers

Boilers are essential home additions for helping homeowners stay warm and comfortable throughout the home, more so during those colder spells. And, when buying a new boiler, most boilers work extremely well for many years, providing homeowners with a great deal of warmth when it's needed the most.
Yet, over time, all boilers will require proper maintenance and care to ensure they continue to run well and perform to their peak level while doing so safely in the home.  
Many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes when it comes to their boilers, which can lead to malfunctions and breakdowns. Unfortunately, doing so can potentially lead to a variety of issues, including decreased efficiency, increased energy bills, and even a higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks. 
By understanding these common mistakes and taking preventive measures, those in the trade can help customers prolong the life of their boilers while avoiding costly breakdowns in the future.

6 Boiler Mistakes That Homeowners Commonly Make

Problem: Neglecting Regular Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is neglecting regular maintenance of their boilers. Like many other home appliances, boilers demand regular servicing if they’re to continue running smoothly. Without proper maintenance, boilers can become inefficient, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. It's essential to have a boiler serviced at least once a year by a qualified professional to keep it in top condition.
Solution: Recommend homeowners keep up with regular checks by a qualified engineer to help identify potential problems early, thus preventing costly breakdowns.
Problem: Ignoring Strange Sounds or Smells
When homeowners notice strange sounds or smells coming from their boiler, it’s crucial that they address them immediately. Ignoring such warning signs can potentially lead to more pressing issues down the line. Strange sounds, such as banging or whistling noises, can indicate a build-up of limescale or air in the system, while unusual smells could be a sign of a gas leak. If any of these signs are detected by your customers, the best advice is to get in touch with the professionals to allow them to investigate the issue and prevent further damage.
Solution: Educate customers on any unusual noises, leaks, or reduced heating efficiency problems, making them aware of the urgency of promptly addressing any such signs of trouble. 
Problem: Setting the Temperature Too High
Another common mistake homeowners make is setting the temperature on their boiler too high. While it may be tempting to crank up the heat during the winter months, setting the temperature too high can put unnecessary strain on a boiler and lead to overheating. It’s recommended to set boiler temperature to around 60-65 degrees Celsius for optimal efficiency. This will help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of damage to the boiler.
Solution: Talk to homeowners about the importance of recommended boiler temperature during installation and highlight its importance when managing home heating controls
Problem: Using Incorrect Pressure Levels
Maintaining the correct pressure levels in a boiler is vital for the boiler to operate efficiently. Many homeowners make the mistake of allowing the pressure in their boiler to drop too low or rise too high, leading to poor performance. It's essential to check the pressure gauge on a boiler regularly and top up the water levels if necessary. If customers are unsure how to do this, they should consult the manufacturer's manual or contact a professional for assistance.
Solution: Offer homeowners guidance on the topic of boiler pressure levels so they’re aware of the recommended level for their model at all times. 
Problem: Ignoring Boiler Age
Understandably, many homeowners will want to preserve their boiler life as long as possible in a bid to save both money and time replacing them. Yet unfortunately most older boiler models are less efficient and therefore more likely to repeatedly break down.
The result is increased energy consumption, potential carbon monoxide leaks, breakdowns at inconvenient times, and increased repair costs.  Replacing an ageing boiler can make all the difference to a home and help homeowners save both energy and money.
Solution: Shop Boilers At City Plumbing. With an extensive range of quality renowned named boilers, we’re perfectly placed at City Plumbing to help you select the best boiler your customers needs.
From Worcester Bosch to Vaillant, Baxi, Glow-worm and many more, you’ll find some fantastic prices on all our brands.  
Problem: Carrying out DIY Boiler Repairs
Finally, as a means of cutting costs, many homeowners will attempt to fix their boiler by themselves. Unless they’re a qualified engineer, this can lead to further damage and indeed safety risks. Undertaking any repairs or tasks on a boiler is ill-advised when dealing with potentially dangerous substances such as gas. Not only that, by carrying out their own repairs, there’s a possibility that homeowners might void any manufacturer's warranty on their boiler in the process. 
Solution: Homeowners should always be encouraged to consult a qualified heating engineer for any boiler-related issues. Those working in the trade are best placed to advise on this. 

Help Homeowners Avoid Common Boiler Mistakes

By avoiding these common boiler mistakes and practising good maintenance habits, homeowners can effortlessly keep their boiler running smoothly and efficiently. Furthermore, by taking such proactive measures and consulting with the professionals, your customers can prevent costly repairs and ensure that their home stays warm and comfortable throughout the year.
If you want to help your customers select the best boiler, take a further look at our City Plumbing website. 

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