Summer Plumbing and Heating Tips

Most people breathe a sigh of relief when they are able to turn off their heating for the summer. But not needing to use your home heating system for a few months doesn't mean you should forget all about it. The summer is the best time to have your boiler serviced, get any pipe repairs done, add an extra radiator to eliminate a cold spot, or just check that everything's in perfect working order.

A complete inspection

Recent announcements about yet more energy price rises have made it even more important not to waste expensive fuel. Paying for a thorough check of your hot water and heating system in the summer could save you money next winter if it reveals any efficiency problems. Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating LTD will also carry out safety checks to minimize any risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and fire.

Repair or replace

Repairing a small fault discovered in the summer could prevent a big problem in the depths of winter. Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating LTD can carry out a simple repair in a short time with little or no disruption to your daily routine. Coping with a sudden breakdown of your whole heating system at a time when you need it most is a very different matter! It could take days to sort out, and result in a hefty bill.

With an old heating system, replacement is sometimes the best option. Many boilers over 15 years old can be repaired to keep them working but they will always be far less efficient than modern boilers. If your boiler is coming to the end of its useful life ask a reputable heating company for advice on the best type of boiler for your home and do the sums yourself. Balance the cost of a new boiler against the reduced energy bills you can expect in the years ahead. Don't forget to take into account the fact that a new boiler is less likely to break down and, in any case, will be covered by a guarantee.

If you do decide on a new boiler – or to replace old-fashioned radiators with more modern designs – the ideal time for installation is in the summer when you're not using your heating system.

Prepare for winter

No one can predict how long a Vancouver summer will last, but you can avoid being caught out by the first frosts of autumn by making sure all exposed water pipes, especially those in the attic, are well insulated. It also makes sense to deal with any weak spots, such as pipes that have been accidentally damaged and joints or connections that have become loose, before they cause problems. Better still, let the experience of Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating LTD do this job for you and they will be able to test for leaks in all those lengths of pipes that are hidden from view.

If you don't want to risk having a heating or plumbing emergency in the middle of a cold, winter's night ask Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating LTD to check and service your system before the end of summer. Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating LTD offers a full range of heating and plumbing services, is staffed by fully qualified and experienced plumbers and engineers, and is highly recommended by its existing customers.

www.hillcrestplumbingandheating.com

(604) 879-5301