Central Heating Maintenance Made Easy

Three simple steps to keeping your central heating system in tip top condition

1: Corrosion Inhibitor
Adding corrosion inhibitor will reduce the deterioration of your central heating system and slow down the build up of sludge.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and add the corrosion inhibitor to the feed and expansion (small tank). Make sure you don't put it in the large tank, which will be the cold water tank for the bath. Before you put the inhibitor in, check that there is water in the tank and the ball cock is moving freely.

For a sealed system, you can purchase inhibitor cartridges, which are injected directly into the radiator. Once again, read the manufacturer's instructions.

2: Bleeding Radiators
It's a good idea to bleed your radiators once a year. If air gets into the system, you may find a radiator that is cool at the top. A pocket of air has formed, which is stopping hot water from rising to the top of the radiator.

Turn the heating off. Get an old rag and use a radiator key to open the air bleed valve, which at the top end of the radiator. If there is air trapped, you will hear a hissing sound as it escapes. Once water begins to come out, close the vent and wipe away the water.

3: Check the Pressure
Over time the pressure can drop on a central heating system. If the pressure is too low, you won't be able to bleed the radiators and eventually the boiler could switch off.

Locate the pressure gauge, which is often on the boiler, but could also be in the airing cupboard. Check the system pressure on the boiler and consult the manual to see what it should be and adjust as necessary.

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