Using Your Boiler In Warmer Weather

Although the weather’s warm at the moment, you can still keep your boiler working at its best.

If you’ve had your boiler switched off since the weather got warmer, the last thing you want to do is turn it back on as winter approaches and find your system has faults – or worse, doesn’t work at all.

Home Emergency Cover, including Boiler & Central Heating Insurance, can help protect your home against the event your boiler and/or central heating stop working and make sure that you’re not left in the cold and facing a large repair bill.

Turning your boiler off in summer

If you’re wondering whether you should turn your boiler off or not, it generally depends on the type of boiler you have.

Older boilers: if your boiler has a pilot light, it will continue to burn gas and therefore cost money you wouldn’t need to spend. In this case, it may be best to switch your boiler off for periods of time.

Newer boiler/combi boiler: it’s possible that you have the option of setting your boiler to standby mode. This uses less energy and allows you to turn the heating back on if the weather turns colder.

It’s also worth considering what other appliances you might need your boiler for, to work properly. For example, during the summer months, you’ll still need to heat up water for baths, showers and washing dishes.

Turning your boiler on in summer

It may seem strange, but even over the warmer months, you shouldn’t just turn your boiler off for a few months and leave it until it’s needed again.

You should turn your boiler on in occasional bursts, for a short period every few weeks as a complete lack of use can cause boilers to seize up or run less efficiently.

Find out how to solve some of the most common boiler faults below.

Pilot Light Not Igniting: if your pilot light keeps going out, you should first check that there aren’t any issues with your gas supply. Use our guide to find out how to get your pilot light switched back on.

Low Boiler Pressure: boilers can lose pressure over time, and a boiler without enough pressure won’t work. Yours should be at around 1 bar; any less and you may find issues with your system. Read our guide to topping up your boiler pressure.

Build-up Of Limescale: descaling your boiler can prevent potential leaks and even pipes rupturing and helps to prolong its lifespan. Learn why you should get your boiler descaled.

To find out more about our Complete Home Emergency plans, boiler and central heating insurance or other types of home care cover plans, such as plumbing and drainage insurance and home appliances cover, contact our friendly team on 0330 09 48 301. You can even get a quote online.