Don't let your boiler scare you this spooky season
Many of us will be getting into the Halloween mood by watching scary films or perhaps going trick or treating. But what would spook you more a scary film or unexplained noises in the middle of the night?
Whether it’s floorboards creaking or water pipes clunking, it seems that at one time or another most of us have been given a fright by a strange sound late at night. Yet while these noises are often just the heating firing up or a noisy neighbour moving around, they can sometimes indicate something more sinister is afoot.
No, not a ghostly apparition but something much more chilling – a problem with your boiler. That’s right - while our imaginations are running wild, fuelled by Hollywood blockbusters as to what the ominous hissing, thumping and banging could be, the reality might actually be closer to home.
If your heating system is making unusual noises then you could have a problem with your boiler. While some noises are perfectly normal, others could indicate problems in the system that, if not remedied, could leave you without heating and hot water.
Chris Wall, head of installations at npower hometeam, which installs, services and repairs boilers, comments: “Most noises we hear at home we ignore, however a noisy heating system can not only result in sleepless nights, but could also be a sign that something’s not working properly.”
To keep your heating system running smoothly and noise-free, follow npower’s tips:
1. Bleed your radiators to resolve any strange noises. This simple job also makes the heating system more effective.
2. Install a filter to protect against corrosion, scale, boiler noises and hydrogen gassing in all types of heating systems. Clearing ‘sludge’ out of the system can improve efficiency, reduce heating bills, and prevent blockages and breakdowns. npower hometeam installs full flow magnetic filters which removes circulating iron oxide (sludge) from the central heating system.
3. Protect against scale and corrosion by using a general purpose inhibitor treatment. The inhibitor provided by the npower hometeam can extend the life of the heating system, while also ensuring maximum efficiency.
Chris Wall adds: “Halloween marks the start of the dark and cold winter weather and is when we’re most likely to be worried by a strange noise. Noisy heating systems can be frustrating, but the problem can be solved very easily. Often boilers just need a bit of TLC and they will be up and running smoothly in no time.
“Ensuring that your heating system is working at optimum efficiency will save you money in the long run, by reducing your heating bills and potentially extending the lifespan of your boiler.”