- We suggest you refer to the “user’s instructions” when checking the operation of your boiler, time switch and thermostats. Please study these instructions carefully and be sure to keep them in a safe place for future reference.
- If you have a gas boiler and suspect you have a gas leak take action immediately! Turn the boiler and any other gas appliances OFF. Eliminate all naked flames and do not smoke. Open windows or otherwise ventilate the area and call British Gas Transco for immediate attention.
- Please ensure that the power supply is maintained to the boiler. Without electricity most boilers will not fire and the programme settings on any time control may be affected.
- Where automatic temperature controls are installed, e.g. room and cylinder thermostats, or thermostatic radiator valves, it is normally sensible to operate the boiler at a high temperature, i.e. maximum or just below. This will not consume more gas or oil; it will simply achieve the desired result more quickly. Regular ON/OFF cycling of the boiler is normal.
- If you have a room thermostat fitted, you will sometimes find that the radiators go cold during a heating ‘ON’ period. This is normal. It simply means that the property has reached the temperature set on the room thermostat and no more heat is required for the time being.
- If a cylinder thermostat is fitted (gas or oil systems) remember you can adjust your hot tap water temperature at the thermostat that is fitted on the side of the hot water cylinder.
- If one of your radiators goes cold at the top but remains warm lower down, this means that air is trapped within it. The air can normally be released by using a vent key that fits on the little plug at the top usually at one end or just behind the top edge of the radiator panel, but first turn the central heating off. When opening this plug, do not remove it completely. You will hear the air hissing out. When you close it again, do not over tighten it. If you do, you may not be able to open it again on a future occasion.
- To remove a radiator for decorating, first close both radiator valves by using the same top from the set-flow valve. Place a bowl below one of the unions connecting the valve into the radiator, then loosen the union slowly and drain the water from the radiator into the bowl. The process will be speeded by opening the air vent at the top of the radiator. Once the water is removed, fully disconnect both radiator valve unions. The radiator may then be lifted from its brackets. Be sure to lock any thermostatic valve closed or plug the end which connects on to the radiator.
- If you go away during the winter months, be sure to leave the heating on for a few hours each day at a low temperature setting, e.g. 10oC, to guard against freezing. If possible, arrange for someone to keep an eye on your property and adjust the time control if the weather becomes extremely cold. If you are going away for a long period, and want to close the system down, then drain the complete installation of water. We also suggest you protect your plumbing system. A simple protection is to close the main stopcock and open the cold tap at the kitchen sink. This will take some pressure off the mains water supply within the dwelling.
- In very cold weather, keep a watchful eye for freezing up in your loft. If your loft floor has been well insulated, anything above it, e.g. pipework and tanks, will be all the more prone to freezing. In particular, the mains water pipe, carrying high pressure water to the feed and expansion tank and cold water storage tank, is vulnerable. If you think it may have frozen, then inspect it carefully before the thaw. Any icing up can force the pipe out of a fitting or split the wall of the pipe. If it is left until the ice thaws, mains water will start escaping into your loft, the effects of which can be catastrophic.
If you require any further clarification of the above points, please do not hesitate to contact us at the above number.
