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As a landlord, ensuring the efficiency and performance of your boiler system is paramount. A well-functioning boiler not only keeps your tenants comfortable but also saves you money in the long run.
In this article, we will explore practical strategies and tips to improve boiler performance in rental properties, helping you enhance energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and provide a better living experience for your tenants.
Understanding Boiler Performance
There are a few ways in which you can measure the performance of your boiler. The first is to check the efficiency data of the model you own. Currently, in the UK, boiler efficiency is measured under the ErP (Energy-related Products) rating system. This is a percentage rating given to energy-consuming products to indicate how well they convert fuel into a usable product, and how much is wasted.
For example, on a modern boiler model, you might see an ErP rating of 92%. This indicates the boiler is highly effective at converting the fuel it burns into usable heat. That through the combustion process (of gas or oil), only 8% of that fuel gets wasted – this is what comes out of the flue pipe.
What is key to note, however, is that as a boiler ages its efficiency level drops. If you have a boiler that is over 10, or 15 years old, it’s very likely that the percentage could be as low as 70%. If this is the case, you should consider a new boiler replacement, as an old boiler will be costing a lot more money to run than it needs to. It is also going to be more likely to break down and need costly repairs.
In monetary terms, if you imagine one unit of fuel costing £1, for a boiler that is 92% efficient, you’re only losing 8p for every unit of gas burned. However, if you have an old boiler, running at 70% you could be losing closer to 30p on every pound. That adds up to a lot of wasted energy, and wasted money.
You may also see boiler efficiency measured by a grade rating from A to G. This is also useful information, but is part of the old efficiency rating system known as the Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers (SEDBUK), which was in place before the ErP was introduced. It also gives an indication of efficiency, but often isn’t as clear as the ErP, as the SEDBUK also includes A+ and A++ ratings, which can make it confusing to compare products.
There is good news to all this though! If your boiler is still fairly new (under 10 years old) there are some steps you can take to help maintain its efficiency and improve performance.
How to Improve Boiler Performance
Old, underperforming boilers can lead to breakdowns and frequent repairs. This can lead to unhappy tenants and a lot of your time spent trying to resolve the problems. Whilst you could simply replace an old, troublesome boiler, it’s always better to avoid these problems before they arise.
Common problems that affect boiler performance include air and water leaks, faulty controls, and mineral buildup. Proper sizing and installation are also critical to maximising efficiency, ensuring that the boiler matches the heating demands of the property. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining optimal boiler performance and preventing them from escalating into costly repairs.
Here are some key things to look out for, and steps to take, to prevent boilers from disrupting your tenants, and your own, time.
1. Maintenance and Regular Inspections
Although it is a legal requirement for a landlord to service their property’s boilers yearly (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985), this type of inspection and regular maintenance is incredibly important in helping a boiler last longer.
Regular checks and inspections will not only prevent bigger problems, but during these visits, tasks such as cleaning, inspecting flues and vents, and testing safety controls should be carried out. This will help identify worn-out components or inefficient settings and will ultimately optimise boiler performance.
Scheduling an annual service by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer (or OFTEC for oil boilers) also ensures compliance with Gas Safety Regulations.
2. Upgrading Boiler Controls
Modern boiler control systems offer significant advantages in terms of improving efficiency and getting the most from your boiler.
Programmable thermostats are an excellent option, as they allow precise control over heating schedules, varying temperatures according to use and ultimately, saving energy.
Smart thermostats take control a step further by offering additional features such as learning capabilities, room-by-room controls, and integration with home automation systems. Tenants can control their heating remotely, receive energy usage reports, and enjoy a more tailored and efficient heating experience.
3. Bleed the Radiators
A simple, yet very effective step you can take to improve a boiler’s performance, is to bleed the radiators. This will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the radiators, keeping the boiler working at a steady level and even reducing the bills too!
When the heating in the property is on, simply feel around the radiators to check for any cold spots. If the top of the radiator is cold and the bottom is warm, this indicates that there is probably trapped air in the radiator.
To bleed a radiator, you can find helpful online videos to show you exactly what to do. Alternatively, you can follow these steps:
- Locate your radiator valve key (or purchase one for your type of radiator)
- Turn off the heating and let all the radiators cool completely!
- Once you’re sure the radiators are cold, take a bowl or thick cloth and place it underneath the radiator valve (this is to catch any excess water, to be sure to hold it in place close to the valve).
- Once you’re ready, put the key in and turn it very gently. If there is air trapped inside it should begin to hiss as the air escapes.
- Keep the valve open until all the air is out. You know when this is done, as water will appear!
- Close the valve as soon as you see water and be sure it is closed tightly.
- Continue to do this for each radiator that needs it.
4. Check the Pressure
A healthy boiler will operate best when it’s set to the right level of pressure. If the pressure in your boiler system is too low it can dramatically affect its performance, meaning heating water can be very slow (or not at all!). This can also negatively affect its efficiency, as fuel will be burning but not being used.
To check, and prevent, this issue, make sure the pressure gauge on your boiler is set to the recommended number for its make and model. This is usually between 1 – 2, and in most circumstances the gauge will have an indicator bar from green to red, to indicate where the pointer should be. As long as it is within the green bars, the boiler should work effectively.
For many boiler models, you can adjust the pressure yourself, however, you should look up the manufacturer’s guidance for your make and model, and always use a professional if you’re not sure.
If a boiler is continually experiencing drops in pressure or has too high pressure, it’s important to get a certified engineer to inspect it as soon as possible. Both circumstances can indicate serious faults, such as leaks or blockages which need to be resolved quickly.
5. Insulation and Heat Loss Prevention
Ensuring your property has adequate insulation can be a great way to minimise heat loss and energy waste. It will also mean that the boiler won’t be working overtime to try and heat a property that just won’t retain any warmth.
Whole house insulation can be expensive, but there are smaller steps you can take that can still have an impact, if you can’t afford to make that investment yet. For example, you can improve insulation in homes by wrapping pipes and valves in insulation piping – a specialist product to prevent heat loss.
You can also identify and seal up any gaps around the home, particularly around doors, windows and pipework. Using sealants or weather stripping, you can stop a lot of heat from escaping and cold air from entering.
These very simple fixes can prevent your boiler being overworked, which can have an impact on its performance and lifespan.
Conclusion
As a landlord, improving the performance of your boiler is essential for your tenant’s comfort, cost savings, and environmental impact. Regular services, maintenance checks and home improvements can all contribute to optimal boiler performance.
These actions not only save you time and money but will also contribute to a greener future by reducing energy waste and carbon emissions. Prioritising your boiler’s performance demonstrates your commitment to tenant’s comfort and your environmental responsibility.
