Landlords have been issued with five top tips on how to use heating systems more efficiently and safely in a bid to avoid boiler breakdown.

The most common problems to look out for are low boiler pressure (anyone below 1 on the pressure gauge suggests the boiler won’t fire up); kettling, when the boiler sounds like a boiling kettle, suggesting a build up of grime; a gas leak caused by wear and tear; worse still, a carbon monoxide leak; a water leak, which if it occurs is probably highly visible; and finally any electrical problem.

Chris Jessop, the customer service director at Ideal Heating, says:  “With many missing out on boiler services last year due to national restrictions, there is no doubt we are going to see an increase in boiler faults. 

“Missing out on an annual boiler service can mean issues go undetected and your boiler may not run to its full potential. It is more important than ever to be looking out for common warning signs to avoid boiler breakdown this winter.”

Jessop’s five tips are: 

1. Service the boiler: Having a regular boiler service will make sure your boiler is running efficiently and safely, which should take a heating professional no more than an hour and helps to validate boiler warranties;

2. Gradually switch the heating on: If you haven’t already turned it on, do so gently – this gives the maximum opportunity to locate problems.

3. Don’t turn up the heat too rapidly: Javing a boiler on too high will only waste money and energy – most households should be between 18 and 21 degrees, and slightly higher for elderly tenants.

4. Get a smart thermostat: This allows you to control a thermostat and may take unnecessary strain off boilers whilst saving money and energy.

5. Bleed radiators: If you notice heat isn’t circulating the whole radiator evenly, it probably means it needs bleeding. This gets rid of trapped air that could have built up over the period it has been off for – most well-maintained heating systems bleed radiators annually.