A boiler can become inefficient over time, with dust mixing with heat condensation and obstructing pipes.
Steve Watson, Servicing & Maintenance Manager with UK boiler installation firm STL Heating & Energy, urged homeowners to be wary of leaving their boilers to get full of “sludge”.
He said: “Black sludge is the enemy of any central heating system. It consists of iron oxide filings – essentially metal rust from equipment like radiators, central heating pump housings and cast iron heat exchanges found inside the boiler.
“And what many homeowners don’t realise is that when the sludge builds up to sufficient levels it can set like concrete, causing catastrophic damage.
“Radiators become clogged, failing to warm up despite how hard your boiler is working, and boilers can also overheat and shut down.
“Depending on your replacement, you could be looking at a £3,000-plus bill for a new boiler – and much more for a whole system replacement.”
But there is a solution, Steve advised. He continued: “The frustrating part is that it can be remedied with a simple magnetic filter that bolts on to the central heating system and collects the iron oxide filings.
“It’s our view that every boiler – whether old or newly fitted – should have this filter fitted. You then simply clean the filter every year as part of an annual service.
“Yet it’s not something governed by industry guidelines and countless installers simply aren’t bothering to fit one.
“It’s our view that this needs to change…. Customers are getting a raw deal.”
Costing £80, the filter should be fitted by a professional – and a boiler should only be cleaned by a professional too.
There are other things homeowners can do to save money on their heating bills that don’t cost a penny.
Energy supplier Npower has revealed one trick both homeowners and renters can do to boost the temperature in their home.
They advised to “make the most of natural heat”, and said: “If you’ve got a conservatory or patio doors that catch the sun, keep the curtains open during the sunniest part of the day and let the warmth in.
“Don’t forget to shut them again once the sun goes down or you’ll be losing heat again fairly quickly.”
This was not their only money-saving tip, and they revealed programming the thermostat could save as much as £85 a year.
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