Modern homes are filled with all sorts of appliances: boilers, radiators, ovens, electrical sockets, and all sorts of electronic devices. Keeping your home appliances in good shape is vital for preventing fires, flooding, and other hazards. If you’re not sure how often different kinds of appliances should be checked for issues, here are some guidelines.
Radiators
The main type of maintenance you need to perform on radiators is ‘bleeding’ them, which should be done at least once a year. Although the pipes which transport hot water to the radiators are closed, air can escape from the water and build up over time. ‘Bleeding’ a radiator means letting this air out.
To bleed a radiator, you need to turn the heating off and allow some time for the water in the radiator to cool down, so you don’t risk burning yourself. You then open the radiator valve with a key, which should have been provided with the radiator itself—if not, you can buy one at a DIY store. Put a bowl under the radiator and wait for all the air to come out; once the water starts dripping into the bowl, you can close the valve again, and the job is done. Make sure you check that your boiler is at the correct pressure before turning the heating on again.
Boilers
Staying on the topic of heating, boilers are another appliance which needs to be checked at least once a year. If you don’t service your boiler regularly, you risk serious issues such as carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be lethal. A boiler service will also check whether your boiler is working as efficiently as possible, which could save you money on energy bills in the long run.
If you need a new boiler, or if you are getting central heating installed, make sure you choose a company, such as simp.services, which will offer you a free boiler service a year from installation. You should also make sure that your contract with the company includes free maintenance work should the boiler turn out to be faulty shortly after installation.
Electrical system
The electrical system in your home is another main source of potential hazards, both in terms of electrocution and the possibility of electrical fires starting up. Most electricians recommend having your whole system checked every three years, but this is with the proviso that you should test your electrical sockets at least twice a year. You can do this by using a receptacle tester, which you can buy in any DIY store.
In order to prevent any kind of mishap, you should also routinely check your electrical appliances for damage, such as dark stains that could indicate burning, and engage the sub-zero repair services. Other signs that something might be wrong with your electrical wiring include:
- buzzing coming from an electrical outlet;
- sparking;
- frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers;
- funny odors coming from an electrical outlet;
- dimming or flickering lights;
- hot outlets.
Don’t take chances with any of these systems and appliances—if you have even the slightest inkling that something might be wrong, switch everything off and call a professional. It might make the difference between life and death.
