Even in the UK, where the summers can be disappointing in terms of the amount of heat we get, it’s not unusual for people to turn off their heating for months at a time and save on energy bills. But what about switching off your boiler altogether? In this blog, we’ll cover some of the reasons why you might decide to turn off your boiler in the summer, as well as some of the do’s and don’ts for summer boiler maintenance.
How do I Know Whether to Turn Off my Boiler in Summer?
Deciding whether to turn off your boiler in the summer, or leave it running without using the heating, will depend largely on your lifestyle – but also the type of boiler you have. While the summer is strictly speaking the best time of year to have your boiler switched off, sometimes if they are off for too long, it can lead to issues. Below are some of the things you should consider:
- Does your boiler have a pilot light?
Older boilers, usually non-condensing boilers, have pilot lights (small blue flames), which you are able to see through a small window in the boiler. When a pilot light is on, it means it is burning gas for your boiler. As long as the boiler is on, the flame is lit. In these cases, it’s a good idea to completely turn off your boiler in the summer months – otherwise you are continuously paying for the gas that is being used. An even more useful suggestion is to replace this old style boiler with a system or combination boiler. Learn more about different boiler types here
- Do you have a combination boiler?
If you already have a combination (combi) boiler, you will know that this supplies both your heating and your hot water. Therefore, switching these off during the summer months will leave you with cold showers (unless you have an electric one) and cold tap water. This might not be a problem for you if you are travelling abroad for most of the summer months, but if you still need occasional hot water bursts, it’s best to leave your all-in-one heating system running throughout the year.
- Do you travel frequently?
As mentioned above, travelling might impact your decision as to whether to turn off your boiler in summer. More often than not, it is a good idea to switch it off if you’re away during summer, especially if it’s for an extended period. However, if you travel during the winter, you should be more cautious about switching off the boiler. During colder months, pipes can freeze if they are not being heated due to the boiler being active. The last thing you will want to return home to is the need for a boiler replacement or repair… but at least you’ll be able to get it fixed fast!
- Do you have a lot of water-based appliances?
Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines use hot water, and it’s a common concern that these appliances will not function properly if the boiler is switched off. Make sure your appliances are ‘cold-fill’ (or ‘hot and cold-fill’), and you will not have any issues. Most modern appliances have this feature. Cold-fill means that the appliance uses electricity to heat any cold water that it needs to function, and will not need to use hot water from your boiler.
Looking After Your Boiler In Summer
Now that you know some of the key considerations when deciding whether to turn off your boiler in summer, it’s important to know how to properly look after your boiler, even if it is switched off.
- Don’t forget about it!
If you’re planning on keeping your boiler switched off for several months at a time, be careful not to forget about it altogether. The valves or the pump could seize if they are left inactive for too long, so make sure you switch your boiler back on for a few minutes every now and again to keep things ticking along.
- Get regular servicing
Even during winter when your boiler is most likely on, it’s important to get regular boiler services to check all of the parts are working properly and that your boiler is efficient. If your boiler is left for too long without a service, you could be faced with hefty fees for repairs or even replacements when you least expect it.
- Get a replacement boiler
If you live in an older property, or you have already had your boiler for 10+ years, it might be time to look into getting a replacement. Doing this during the summer will be far more convenient for you, as you won’t be left without heating in the colder months. Plus, having a brand new boiler will mean efficiency will go up, and costs will go down, even when you are using the boiler more often in winter.
Summer boiler maintenance is simple once you know what to look out for, and have ensured you are organised with regular services. Assess your boiler during it’s downtime over warmer months, and prepare for the potential need for repair or replacement if it is not performing efficiently.
Did you decide to turn off your boiler this summer? It’s not too late to get a replacement before the cold starts to really hit. Get in touch with the team at Bbright for a personalised recommendation and a quote for a brand new boiler.
