Help Guides

If you’re feeling the cold in your home, it could be because you have air in your radiator system. You can check your radiators by carefully touching them while they are on to see if they are cold in places, particularly near the top, which will mean that they need bleeding. 

Here’s what you should do:

• After switching the heating off and waiting for the system to cool, make sure you have a radiator vent key and towel at the ready. 

• Use the radiator vent key by turning it anti-clockwise to open the valve, making sure the towel is behind the radiator just in case it sprays hot water. 

• Once you’ve finished, turn the key clockwise to close the valve.

The next step is to check the pressure gauge on your system and make sure it is between 1-1.5 bar. If it’s not within this range, fill the boiler up with the filling loop, which is usually located under the boiler (if you have a heat or system boiler, it may be near your cylinder).

If you have too much pressure in your system, you can reduce the pressure by bleeding the radiators with a bucket to reduce the amount of water in the system. This is important because it prevents the pressure relief valve blowing open due to an excess amount of built-up pressure.

Kettling is a term used to describe a boiler making a noise it shouldn't. Remember, your boiler should be seen and not heard. Among other tunes (boilers transcend genres!), the noise can often sound like a boiling kettle, hence the term 'kettling'.

Understand what the different noises your boiler makes mean by reading our guidance: Why is my boiler making a noise?

To find out how old your boiler is, check the installation manual. Your installer will have completed the Benchmark Certificate, which will be found inside. If the manual isn’t available, call our Customer Service team on 01482 498 660 and we can tell you how old your boiler is. You’ll need the boiler serial number to hand, which can be found either underneath or on top of your boiler.

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How often you need to service your boiler depends on how your boiler is used. We recommend all boilers are serviced annually, but if your boiler has been installed or used for an unusual application, the boiler is likely to operate more than expected. So, it may require servicing more frequently. 

More details on boiler servicing are in our blog: How often do you need a boiler service?

There are a few important steps you need to take to ensure your home is ready for a new boiler installation. Make sure you:

1. Have chosen the right boiler for your home - use our tool for help: Find my boiler.

2. Know how long it will take to remove your old boiler and replace it with a new one so you can plan accordingly.

3. Account for other tasks involved in boiler installation, like changing the type and position of your boiler to using a new fuel type.

Everything you need to know about preparing for a new boiler installation can be found in our guide: How long does it take to fit a boiler?

When getting a new boiler, there’s lots of things to take into account. From boiler type and cost savings to the size of your home, you need to feel confident that the boiler you choose will reliably provide hot water and heating for you and your family. 

Ideal Heating has plenty of guidance around choosing your new boiler to make the decision simple and easy for you. For instance, are you aware of the different costs associated with a new boiler? Or, that a new boiler could save you hundreds?

For more information, read: All boiler tips and advice.