As a landlord, it’s your job/duty to provide reliable heat and hot water in all rented properties, meaning that you must maintain the boilers, furnaces, radiators, thermostats, and other equipment that manages the heating system. Regardless of the tenancy agreement, the rental properties must have a working boiler, which can be electric, gas, or a combi. By the time winter arrives, the boiler will be working hard, so there’s no better time than the summer to check if it’s in good condition. A little bit of TLC can make the difference between a boiler breakdown during the three months with the lowest average temperatures and keeping your tenants happy.
Think ahead and be prepared for the challenges you’ll encounter during wintertime. In this article, we’ll offer you some tips on how to prepare a boiler for the winter so that your tenants can maintain a comfortable, warm environment.
Run The Heating At Least Once A Month, Even in Summer
Switching the boiler on a couple of times during the summer is recommended because the valves and other components can get stuck. Run the heating at least once a month to ensure the boiler runs efficiently; if there are any problems, you’ll catch them in the nick of time, meaning you can address them before winter. Turning the boiler off during the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs and save money. Still, it’s crucial to turn the boiler on every now and then to prevent the internal working from seizing via the lack of use and clear the pump of any grit that gathers while not in use.
Carry Out an Informal Boiler Inspection
A boiler not in use can accumulate rust (and other forms of deterioration), so it’s necessary to review each part of the boiler to identify problems that could require maintenance. Once inspected, the equipment must be restarted and tuned to ensure maximum performance. Safety checks are a legal requirement, so have your boiler professionally serviced to ensure it works at its best. If you can’t manage to schedule a check-up, you can do the inspection yourself. You can identify and fix minor issues yourself. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Look For Cracks & Signs of Leaks. Once the boiler is cool enough to touch, you can proceed with the visual inspection. Look for cracks that may result from corrosion, rust, and age. In some cases, a faulty pressure valve will allow the boiler to rupture. Signs of a leak include black stains, damp patches, and signs of surface corrosion.
- Check The Gauge Pressure. If the system doesn’t work properly, it can cause issues down the line. It should be about 1-2 bars, but the boiler will continue to work even if the pressure is in the red zones. While most boilers have a digital display, others have a dial with a 1 to 4 reading.
- Inspect The Electrics. Even a tiny issue can lead to an explosion, injuring or even killing those nearby. Of course, when it comes down to electrics, you should proceed cautiously and undertake work suitable for a DIYer. A small amount of current can kill a person.
- Check The Thermostat and Timer. Turn off the boiler and wait for 15 minutes or so. Once the switches and circuit breakers are in the “on” position, switch the system to heat and adjust the temperature to 10 degrees higher than the previous temperature. Walk through the home and feel the radiators.
- Bleed The Radiators. Releasing the air that builds up inside will eliminate issues with air bubbles, keeping it working at its best. It’s a good idea to start with the radiator that’s the farthest away from the boiler. Don’t forget to turn off the central heating system.
A boiler is more likely to break down in the middle of the winter than in summer. If the worst-case scenario actually happens, you’re legally obliged to fix the situation. But what do you do if your tenants ask about heat or hot water? To ensure everyone is happy, rent a temporary boiler to provide steam while you wait for the boiler repair. It’s a practical solution when heating output is needed in any room without delay, and the boiler may not be working (or falling short of capacity). Research boiler rental companies to ensure you’re making the best possible choice, and be sure to review the steam boiler rental details before agreeing to the terms.
For Added Safety, Fit A Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed across rental properties to help tenants escape potentially life-threatening events. The only exception is rooms where the fuel-burning appliance is a gas cooker. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, meaning it’s colorless, odorless, and non-irritating; it enters the body through the lungs and is transported through the blood. Unless a home is completely electric, there’s the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. An alarm can detect the poisonous gas. The gel reacts to the carbon monoxide and changes color, and triggers a warning. With a low level of carbon monoxide, it might take hours for the alarm to go off. Contrary to popular opinion, low doses can be just as dangerous as sudden exposure to high doses.
Check And Insulate the Pipes
Look for corrosion and/or scale deposits in the line, as it’s important for the safe operation of the boiler and the people in close proximity. Insulation is a fantastic way to protect the pipework. Not only does it reduce the amount of heat loss, but also the water stays hotter for longer. You can install insulation by wrapping it around the pipes; the process is quick and easy. It’s an investment, so don’t use cheap material – the thicker the material, the better. Most importantly, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when insulating the pipes to comply with applicable codes and regulations.
Conclusion
Winter conditions can be harsh, so ensure your tenants are safe and comfortable over the cold winter months.
