The short answer to that question is: yes, absolutely. But there are some specific reasons why Ideal boilers are so popular.
Firstly, they have impressive efficiency scores, good specifications and a high level of resilience. On top of that, they usually come with a decent warranty – depending on the model, it can be up to 12 years.
Another positive point is that Ideal price tags are quite a bit less hefty than you might expect. They’re often cheaper than their big-name counterparts, but deliver a comparable or even better output.
The Ideal catalogue is full of unit options, and each one comes highly recommended. How do you know which model is best for your home?
The first step is to figure out what kind of boiler you need: combi, regular or system. If you’re unsure, you can always start a quote. Our quick initial questionnaire will give you a much clearer idea of the boiler type you currently have as well as detailing any upgrades you may need to suit your home and specific heating requirements.
Below, we’ve picked out some of the most popular Ideal models in the UK, all available now from Bbright.
Available at: 24 kW, the entry-level Ideal combi boiler and perfect for a smaller home; 30 kW, cost-effective and powerful, suitable for medium-sized homes; or 35 kW, more powerful and made for larger properties.
Each of these Ideal combi boilers come with a 5 year parts and labour warranty. The Exclusive 2 Ideal combi boiler fits neatly inside a cupboard and is easy to use, with dedicated buttons to preheat and restart. The Exclusive 2 series has an ERP efficiency score of 94% and improved connections using Ideal’s OpenTherm wiring.
This Ideal combi boiler series comes in 24 kW to meet smaller demands, 30 kW for mid-sized properties, and 35 kW for a larger home requiring more heating and hot water.
Every Logic Max Combi boiler comes equipped with Ideal’s built-in frost protection and a clever design, which allows it to fit compactly inside a cupboard. They have an ERP efficiency score of 94%, a large digital display, and are easy to install. Combi boilers will not require a hot water cylinder.
These boilers come with a 10 year warranty from Bbright, have a compact cupboard fit, and are fully compatible with Ideal’s clever control systems. They have an easy-to-reach pressure gauge and a Class A ERP efficiency rating. A British favourite for those working on a budget.
Available in sizes 15 kW, 18 kW, 24 kW and 30 kW.
Similar to the Logic Heat series, this Ideal boiler can be installed for a variety of different use needs: 15 kW, a suitable option for smaller homes, 18 kW, 24 kW (for properties with up to 15 radiators), through to 30 kW, for heating larger homes.
These boilers come with a 10 year warranty as standard and are designed with space-saving in mind. The Logic system boasts an ERP Class A efficiency rating, which will help save you money in the long run. They are hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, and have a large digital display.
Like the Logic combi and regular Logic Max units, Logic system gas boilers come with a 10 year warranty. Solid and compact, they’re good for a discrete installation in a kitchen cupboard or on the wall. This Logic system also has an ERP Class A efficiency rating to give you peace of mind.
You can install Logic Max system boilers at 15 kW, 18 kW, 24 kW and 30 kW.
Part of the reason why an Ideal boiler is such a popular choice in the UK is that customers enjoy a number of key benefits, perks that may not be available elsewhere.
Compared to other big-name boiler brands like Vaillant or Worcester Bosch, Ideal boiler prices are likely to represent a saving of at least £200-300, if not more. On top of that, you might get slightly better specifications for your money with an Ideal boiler. Their efficient service and extensive range of options can bring significantly cheaper heating bills, too.
We really like the no-fuss guarantees Ideal give their boilers. They regularly offer a warranty of 5+ years, and top-end models like the Vogue Max come with an impressive 12 year warranty.
As with all boilers though, it’s a good idea to check the guarantee conditions. For instance, you might find the boiler needs to have been installed by an accredited technician, or receive a yearly inspection and service, in order not to void the warranty.
First established in 1906, Ideal has been making boilers in the UK for well over 100 years, and that gives them some pedigree. Choosing an Ideal boiler is a low-risk option and they’re tried, tested and trusted in millions of UK homes. Aside from Ideal’s trustworthiness, the availability of parts is among the best in the business and, being a UK-based company, they’re easy to deal with.
Having such well-respected and popular boilers, almost every heat engineer knows and understands Ideal’s systems. That means it’s simple to have an Ideal boiler installed, and if it needs a service or encounters a problem, heating technicians are practically guaranteed to get the boiler fixed – or at least identify the problem – quickly.
Like all home appliances, boilers do occasionally go wrong. If that happens, our trained engineers will be on hand to provide the skill and expertise to get things working again, or install a replacement boiler if necessary.
Here at Bbright, we’re confident in the reliability of Ideal boilers. They make some of the best boilers on the market today, and provide efficient heating and hot water solutions to millions of homes.
There are lots of reasons why you might need to drain the central heating, and the chances are it’s something that you’ll need to do sooner or later. First and foremost, taking good care of your heating system is important to getting and maintaining high performance levels.
It’s a good idea to undertake routine maintenance. This will involve draining and cleaning the central heating system to expel pollutants like rust, limescale and dirt. These are all things which can naturally find their way into your system and inhibit its performance.
If you’re planning some repairs to the central heating system or radiators, it will probably be necessary to drain them before you start work. And if you’re installing new radiators, you’ll want to get all the water out of the system before you disconnect the old units.
Heating professionals strongly recommend adding an inhibitor to the water in your system. This is a special mix of chemicals which prevents corrosion, and also extends a radiator’s lifespan and optimal heating performance. An inhibitor attacks those unwelcome pollutants and defends against them. You can add an inhibitor to the water before you refill the system.
Draining the system and bleeding radiators is a relatively standard procedure, and as such you’ll be able to find most of what you need around your home or garden. Try to locate:
Draining the system can be quick and painless if you follow the steps we’ve laid out for you here. Sometimes though, something a little more serious may be necessary. If you find that your boiler has given up the ghost, or you’re interested in a new boiler, get in touch today. Our friendly team can answer any questions and give you a free, no-strings quote.
The first step in the process is to turn off the heating. This may sound simple but it’s an important safety measure, and you’d be surprised how many people forget to do it. You’ll need to wait for the hot water in the system to cool down, which usually takes 30 – 60 minutes. If your boiler runs from a solid fuel fire, put out the fire and wait for the hot water to cool.
This is an essential step – you definitely don’t want dirty water running through the system when you’re trying to drain it.
There are a couple of different ways you can cut the water. The first is to totally shut off the supply for the entire building. You can do this at the main stopcock – there’ll be a tap or valve, which you can turn on and off with a screwdriver. Be aware, though, that this will cut off the water to the whole property, and there will be no running water until you turn the mains supply back on again.
If your system runs on a conventional or regular boiler, you’ll need to isolate the heating tank. This means that there will be no new water going into the tank, and will allow the water currently in the system to drain. You should be able to find a tap or valve on the side of the tank. Then, switch off the boiler.
If you’re running a combi boiler, simply turn it off and wait for the system to cool. Not sure what boiler you have? Bbright can help you identify your boiler, and work out which model is the best fit for your home.
(If none of your radiators have a drain-off valve, you have a slightly different system. Skip ahead to the next section).
Usually, a central heating system will have a main radiator. This is typically located on the ground floor, in a central position of the floorplan. The main radiator will have a small tap or drain valve attached to it – this is the drain-off valve (or draincock), and all the other radiators will drain through here.
Once you’ve located the drain-off valve, use a jubilee clip to attach the hosepipe to it. Check that it’s attached securely. To be on the safe side, put a few towels on the floor beneath it, as there’s no guarantee you won’t get a couple of drips.
You won’t want the drained water coming out anywhere in your home. Run the hosepipe through the house to a safe area outside. A street or gutter drain would be ideal. The drained water will probably contain some chemicals that you’ll want to keep away from plants and animals, so try not to drain the system straight onto the lawn or flowerbeds.
Now it’s time to open the drain-off valve. Loosen it, and you should start to hear the water flowing through the hosepipe.
Next, go to all the other radiators in the house and open the drain valve, called the regulator (note: this is different from the temperature-controlling valve, and usually on the opposite side).
The next thing to do is release all of the trapped air from the system. To do this, open the bleed valve (using the radiator bleed key) on all radiators. You’ll hear a hissing or sucking noise when the air rushes out. A pro tip is to start with the upstairs radiators, wait 15 minutes, and gradually move to the downstairs radiators. This helps the system drain faster.
Don’t forget about any heated towel racks or spare room radiators on your way, and you’ll want to put some towels down, as opening the bleed valve can sometimes release one or two drops of water.
Check on the hosepipe. Once there is no (or very little) water coming through, the system is drained.
Finally, you’ll need to put new water into the central heating system. If you’re adding an inhibitor, now is the time to do so. Close the drain-off valve and all the radiator bleed valves around the house.
Now you can safely turn the water supply back on. You’ll need to bleed the air from radiators again. This time, start with the downstairs radiators, and work your way up. Make sure that all the air is expelled from the radiators – again, you might see a couple of droplets coming from the bleed valve, so keep those towels underneath for now.
Tighten up the bleed valves, and check that each one is closed. Turn on the heating system and let it run. Check that all radiators are heating up, and that there are no cold spots – an indicator of trapped air. While you wait, have a look around the different rooms, and check all the radiator valves to make sure there are no leaks.
If none of the radiators in your home have a drain-off valve, the process of draining your system will be slightly different.
Steps 1 and 2 are exactly the same procedure.
Next, you’ll need to isolate the radiator from the heating system. To do this, close both valves on the radiator – the regulator, which lets water in, and the lockshield, which controls the temperature. Then you can bleed the radiator.
Without a drain-off radiator valve, you’ll need another way to let the water out of the radiator. There will be a coupling nut, often located close to the regulator valve. Remember to put a bucket (or large bowls) and some towels underneath, and, using a spanner, twist the nut until the water comes out. Continue until all the water has drained.
Hopefully, you should now feel ready to take on the draining of your own central heating system and be equipped with the knowledge to do so. But if you still have questions or concerns about draining central heating, or encounter a problem along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our professional team.
Many people are concerned about the cost of keeping their home nice and warm, and with the price of energy on the rise, it’s something we could all do with keeping an eye on. Here at Bbright, we’re experts in heating systems, and our top tips will help you squeeze maximum value for money out of your central heating system.
If you’re looking to save money on your central heating, the best place to start is with your boiler. Boilers provide the hot water that gives a central heating system its heat, and a good one runs smoothly and efficiently. If your boiler isn’t working well, it acts like a dripping tap on your energy bills.
It’s well-known among heating technicians that boilers of a certain age are simply not as efficient as newer, more advanced models. Generally, a boiler which is over 10 years old is highly likely to be costing you money as compared to a newer, more efficient replacement. If you suspect your boiler has seen better days, it might be time to think about a boiler replacement.
It’s also worth having a look at your boiler efficiency rating. These days, condensing boilers regularly score 90%+ efficiency, which is optimal. On the other hand, standard efficiency boilers often struggle to break the 80% threshold. This may sound marginal, but could represent a surprising cost difference in the long run.
When was the last time your boiler had a good service? Like most home appliances, our boilers need a regular tune-up to make sure they’re working properly and running to their best potential – and at optimal cost-efficiency. Our friendly and professional team of engineers are available to facilitate boiler repairs and servicing as and when you need them.
A lot of people think that running the central heating on a low temperature all day is more efficient than turning it on and off. This is actually an urban myth. In fact, it’s far more effective to run the heating only when it’s needed, and to have it turned off at all other times.
Think of it in terms of energy loss. It’s an inevitable fact that, whenever we run our central heating, there will be some heat lost through the floors, walls, windows and ceilings. If the heating is on all day, even at a low temperature, there is a longer timeframe for heat – and money – to escape. On the other hand, a shorter period of heating time means less opportunity for wastage.
On a similar note, think about when you actually need your home to be warm. Is it really essential for the radiators to be pumping out heat when the family is sleeping, or when everyone is at school or work? If the answer is no, you probably stand to make savings by using the timer on your boiler. Doing so ensures that you’re only heating your home when there are people around to feel the benefit – again, meaning less money spent on wasted heat. Boilers typically come fitted with either a digital or an analogue (‘mechanical’) timer. Read our handy guide on how to set your boiler timer here.
Many people assume that, when the central heating is on, the whole house gets heated. While this can be true, if you want it to be, there is another way.
Ask yourself: does your home need the spare bedroom and both bathrooms heated, if no one is occupying those rooms? Be selective about where the heat goes, and try to provide heat to only those rooms where people spend a lot of time, like the kitchen or living room. This can have a massive impact on the amount you spend.
The chances are that, if you turned down your thermostat by 1°C, no one would notice the difference. But, shockingly, even that tiny adjustment can lead to a saving of £75 per year.
It’s good heating practice to be measured when selecting your thermostat’s temperature. After all, the best way to save money is to avoid spending it in the first place.
In a similar way to boilers, older thermostats are just not as efficient as modern units. We’ve seen old thermostats with a 5°C margin of error in their temperature detection. That means that the central heating system will actually heat the room to 5°C over the desired temperature, before powering down. This kind of inaccuracy means extra money on your bottom-line energy bill that you didn’t need to spend. If your thermostat is older than around 10 years, it might be worth considering replacing it with a newer, more accurate alternative.
Hopefully now you have a few ideas about the different ways you can save some cash on your central heating. Don’t forget, there’s also the potential to get cosy with a chunky, faithful old sweater, a blanket, or a hot water bottle – and a nice hot cup of tea never goes amiss!
But if your boiler has given up the ghost, you won’t get any warmth from your central heating system at all, which can leave you with an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. In this case, it’s time to seek a boiler replacement.
There are a number of reasons why your boiler may not be performing at its optimum rate, and many of these issues can be easily dealt with. However, if the problem is more serious or you need rapid repair, it’s usually best to get in touch with professionals who can assess your boiler for you.
Below are some tips from our experts in terms of the first steps you should take to assess where the issue is with your boiler.
The most common and easily remedied boiler issues usually involve faulty external parts. Before bringing in a professional, make sure you have thoroughly checked the following:
Make sure your radiator valves have been adjusted correctly. If all your radiators are on, but some are not producing any heat, the issue is likely to do with valves and pipes distributing the heat to different areas of your home. There might be debris lodges in a pipe, breakages or fault valves. These issues will require specialist attention.
If you’re noticing unusual sounds coming from your boiler, this could mean a number of things. It’s completely normal for boilers to make some degree of noise, particularly when they are initially turned on, but excessive whistling or rattling sounds may be cause for concern. Noises like this could suggest one of the following:
Any leaks coming from your boiler should be addressed as soon as possible. Leaks can indicate faulty relief valves, faulty pumps or a number of other issues, and if left untreated they can cause damage to your home like mold and water damage. Main reasons for boiler leaks include:
If you notice it is specifically the pump that is leaking, this could suggest the pump itself has corroded, and you will need a replacement pump fitted rather than a completely new boiler. Experts will be able to assess this for you.
A condensate pipe is what drains all the excess water that is produced from the condensing process. Sometimes during winter months, ice can form around the pipe and eventually stop it from functioning. This causes condensate to back up into the boiler overtime, and eventually results in the boiler shutting down. If you notice ice build up, try the following before contacting a professional:
While a lot of common boiler issues can be dealt with relatively quickly and without hassle, sometimes a replacement is the only solution. You know how to troubleshoot a boiler, but you should also be aware of when it needs replacing without question. Here are some of the key signs to look out for:
Boiler cover is a type of insurance which acts as a protection if something goes wrong with your boiler, no matter what type or brand. Boiler cover can help you to cover costs of things like engineer assistance as well as any parts necessary to make the repairs. Sometimes you will get a certain amount of cover as part of the package when you buy a boiler, but it may be separate. If you’re faced with choosing your own, there are plenty of comparison sites available to help you.
Before we dive into some tips as to how to choose the best boiler cover for your needs, let’s cover a few important things to remember when choosing a boiler insurance provider.
If you have had your boiler for a while and are just now deciding to look for the best boiler cover options, you may be disappointed. A lot of companies will not provide cover to especially old boilers, as it is far more likely that they will break down and be in need of frequent, costly repairs. It might be in your best interest to look into replacing your boiler instead.
Depending on the company and the deal you choose, there will be a limit as to how much they cover. If your boiler needs a particularly expensive repair or new part, you might be faced with paying additional costs. Remember to always read the fine print and know what you’re getting into when you first purchase your cover package!
If you are becoming a new homeowner and looking into home insurance providers, you may be able to get a boiler cover add-on. While this can of course save money, it is also a great time saver, meaning you will not have to worry about too many company policies when it comes to managing your various insurances.
That’s right – this might be a guide on how to choose the best boiler cover, but you only have to make the choice if you’re sure you want to. If you have a relatively new boiler that is reliable and efficient, getting boiler cover might not be worthwhile. However, if your boiler is a few years old, or you have a new one but are planning to stay in the same property for 10+ years, boiler cover could save you from forking out for repairs when you least expect it.
A lot of people choose to invest in boiler cover for their own peace of mind, but remember you can always get affordable, speedy boiler repairs from external providers like Bbright.
If you’re still set on choosing a boiler cover provider, we’re sharing some top tips on how to get it right and make sure it’s the best boiler cover for you.
Boiler efficiency mainly comes down to the model of your boiler – most newer units are designed to be more effective and save money in the long run. The most efficient boilers on the market generally use less energy to produce the same output, therefore costing you less. For most newer homes of small to medium size, combi boilers tend to be the most efficient option, however our boiler experts will be able to provide
As well as efficient boilers being beneficial for you in terms of finance, they are also helpful for the environment. By ensuring boiler efficiency, you are also lowering your carbon footprint as you are using less energy to heat your home.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways in which you can save money and maximise boiler efficiency without simply going without heating and hot water. As previously mentioned, most newer models are designed with efficiency in mind, but the importance of the following steps still remains – looking after your boiler from the very beginning of its life in your home will help it last longer, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the future.
1. Take care of your unit: This goes without saying, but you must keep your boiler well maintained if you want to make the most of the money you are paying for it. Keep your boiler as dust-free as possible to prevent its tubes and pipes from getting clogged up – this can be done quickly by wiping the exterior unit every once in a while. The interior of your boiler may also need cleaning occasionally, but it is important to leave this to the experts for safety purposes.
2. Get your unit serviced annually: An annual service will ensure there are no serious problems with your boiler that could cause you to be out of pocket due to regular repairs. It will also give you peace of mind to know that your unit is working to the best of its ability.
3. Look after your radiators: Try to remember to bleed your radiators regularly. This will not only improve the heat efficiency of each radiator, but also save you on heating costs as you will likely need to leave your boiler on for less time. To work out whether your radiators need bleeding, check how long they are taking to heat up. If it is longer than usual, or if there are any cold spots, it might be worth bleeding them or seeking help from a qualified engineer.
4. Ensure effective pipe insulation: Having well insulated pipes can make sure your boiler does not work too hard when it comes to spreading the heat around your home. Central heating pipes can be insulated with foam to improve overall boiler efficiency.
5. Top up your boiler pressure: You should be able to locate a pressure gauge on your unit. A significant pressure drop (to below 1.5) may be impacting your boiler efficiency, so make sure to check this frequently and top up the pressure when necessary. Please see this guide on how to repressurise your boiler yourself, or contact our engineers to help you.
6. Upgrade: If nothing seems to be helping your boiler become more efficient, perhaps it is time to consider an upgrade. Particularly if you are living in an older home, or you have a system or regular boiler that has been running for several years, a new, energy efficient combi boiler could be your money-saving solution.
Put simply, electric boilers use a heating element (similar to a kettle) to heat cold water required in the home. They are connected to the mains electricity supply, and heat cold water that comes from the mains water supply. Once water has been heated by the electric element, it passes through to your radiators or taps in an instant. Electric boilers still provide all the same benefits as traditional heating systems, just without the need for a gas supply.
Looking at the pros and cons, one would assume that yes, electric boilers are better for the environment. Since they don’t burn fossil fuels to generate heat, they do not release waste gasses and are therefore a more sustainable option. However, there are some concerns about the initial process of manufacturing the electricity to run these boilers, and suggestions that this could actually produce as much pollution as a gas boiler system.
So, while an electric boiler might be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, there’s a chance that it won’t have any differing environmental impacts to those of a gas boiler. The best thing you can do at this stage, is to choose the option most suitable for you and your home. We recommend that you seek expert advice before deciding to replace your unit on a whim!
As previously mentioned, most new boilers are reliable and are unlikely to cause you any issues. However, it’s worth noting that all boilers (and particularly combi boilers) are rather complex appliances, and are usually running all year round. Plus, boilers may rely on external pipes or water tanks to keep them functioning properly. All of this means that while they are unlikely to cause regular problems, there are still several potential faults you could encounter throughout the year.
Boiler error codes could imply any of the following:
It is also worth noting that a lot of boiler issues will require attention from a professional gas engineer. You will likely find information in your boiler handbook regarding how easily the problem can be solved, so be sure to consult this before attempting any fixes yourself.
Unfortunately, there is no quick answer to this question. Boiler error codes will always differ depending on the specific model of the boiler, and there are different numeric combinations that imply various fault types. The best place to find the answer to your error code query is in the boiler manual that you should have received when the boiler was installed.
However, while there is no simple way to cover all possible boiler error codes, we can of course cover the most popular types of error and what you might expect to see displayed on your unit.
Some boiler models will display text instead of a code. Here are the common fault messages you may see displayed on your boiler, and what to do immediately:
The most popular boiler models we supply at Bbright usually have their manuals available online. Here are some that may help you:
While some boiler faults may seem simple to fix at first glance, more often than not a thorough repair will require an expert’s eye. Be sure to properly consult your manual before attempting any boiler fixes yourself, as you could end up with more issues than you started with. At Bbright, we have a team of experienced and highly-qualified engineers who will be able to assist you with whatever boiler error codes you are having trouble with. Find out more about boiler repairs here.
There’s no doubt that boilers have evolved massively over the years, but nowadays there are three main types of boiler for homeowners to choose from. They each have their own benefits, and often are more suited to specific types of home.
Regular boilers are the most traditional type of boiler. You will usually find regular boilers in the attic or garage of older homes. They require tanks as well as a hot water storage cylinder, so are much bulkier. However, they are very efficient, providing daily hot water and central heating when needed.
Combination (combi) boilers are named as such because they provide hot water and central heating from one unit. The water is heated instantly, which means they are not only efficient, but cost effective.
System boilers are usually pricier than regular or combi boilers, but this price comes with increased reliability. System boilers tend to work better for larger homes as they require a hot water tank.
Deciding on the ideal boiler you need for your home is far more straightforward when you can narrow down your options. We’ve already looked at how the home you have might affect your choice, but in this section we will delve deeper into the specifics. To help you condense your options, here are some of the key things you can consider when deciding which boiler is right for you.
You will find that most boilers have a 5+ year warranty. This might seem perfect for new homeowners who will likely move to a new property relatively quickly, but for those choosing to settle down in a home for 10+ years, searching for a boiler with a longer warranty is probably a better option. While this may come at an increased cost, it will certainly make savings for you in the long run and you will spend less on repairs and replacements.
Boiler sizes can vary quite significantly, especially if you compare specific types. For example, a regular boiler will take up far more room than a combi boiler due to it requiring an additional tank or storage cylinder. If you’re starting out in a small home, you will likely need the smallest combi boiler on the market – ideally small enough to be concealed in a kitchen cupboard. If you’re in a larger home, you might not be so concerned with concealing the unit, but there may still be restrictions in terms of where in your property the unit can go, especially if you will require a tank.
Once you have considered boiler type, size and warranty, you may be interested to assess some of the boiler’s additional features and functionalities. For example, is the unit simple to operate? Is the unit particularly quiet? Does it have a digital display? Is it scratch resistant? Specific information and special features for each boiler will be available on our website.
Price is no doubt a considerable factor when you’re asking yourself what boiler you need. Boiler costs can of course vary, but these variations are typically based on efficiency and any additional functionalities. It is usually recommended that you make initial decisions in terms of size and features before then comparing prices once your choices have been narrowed down. Try getting a quote with us and go through the personalised recommendation system.
If after following this guide you’ve been able to decide which boiler you need to best suit your requirements, it’s time to think about how to get the most out of it and avoid paying for recurring repairs. Below are some of our top tips:
We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to find your perfect boiler. If you need any additional assistance from us, we’re always happy to help.
Overtime, sludge (mineral and oil deposits) can build up inside your boiler unit, causing it to become less efficient as it has to work a lot harder to heat the water passing through. By draining your boiler of this sludge, you can minimise this build up and keep your unit running cost-effectively. Plus, draining your boiler regularly should extend its lifespan and will mean you can postpone having to pay for repairs and replacements.
You may also need to drain your boiler if you are redecorating or removing your radiators from walls for another purpose such as changing your pipework. It can also be helpful to drain your boiler if you are going on a long-haul winter holiday – this is to reduce the risk of pipes freezing over.
How do you know whether or not sludge is building up in your boiler unit? This is easy: simply release the air from one of your radiators and check the colour of the water. If the water is clear, there is no sludge, but if it is dark in colour it is recommended that you drain your boiler.
Draining your boiler is a simple process, and all you will need is a few hours and a hose. Here are 5 quick steps to follow for a drained and more efficient boiler:
To drain your boiler safely, you will first need to unplug it from the mains and wait for the water inside the boiler to cool down. This is to make sure that there is no risk of scalding when water is being drained out. We recommend waiting at least 3 hours following the boiler being unplugged. You will also need to turn off the water intake valve – this will make sure no water enters the unit while you’re emptying it.
Once your boiler is prepared and the water has cooled, you will need to find the drainage valve which is where you will let the water out. Usually, the drainage valve will be on the radiator that is positioned lowest in your home. The valve will likely be in the bottom corner of the radiator. Once you have located the valve, you will need to secure your hose onto it and ensure the other end of your hose is somewhere outside the home so that the water can be moved safely.
Once your hose is tightly secured and in place, you can open the valve on the radiator and let the water drain out. You will need to leave the hose in place until there is no more water to drain. Once empty, you can close the valve and remove the hose.
The next step is to locate and open the braided filling loop which should be positioned underneath your boiler unit. The filling loop is a braided hose with fittings on each end; one connecting to the unit, the other connecting to the mains. To re-pressurise the boiler, all you will need to do is leave this open until the pressure dial reads 1. You can then put the filling loop back in place.
Finally, you can make any final checks around your boiler unit and radiators – if there are no leaks, you have successfully drained your Worcester Bosch Combi Boiler!