A blocked boiler vent is a minor issue which may soon go out of control. In this manual, you will discover what impact will have a blocked vent on safety, performance as well as your energy bills. The majority of these will be explained in terms of signs to observe, easy examinations you can perform and the action to follow.Â
The Boiler Vent: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
A boiler vent is used to release gases and fumes through a system. The new boilers are gas burning and generate gases such as carbon monoxide. These fumes find their way out of your house via the vent. When the vent is clogged, the gases are not removed accordingly. That renders the boiler insecure and ineffective.
General Complications of a Blocked Vent
- Debris and Leaves
The vents outside your house may be obstructed by tree leaves, twigs and trash.
- Bird Nests
Birds or small animals can construct bird nests or trickle in or around vents.
- Snow And Ice
Vent can be frozen in winter, or covered with snow.
- Broken Pipes
A broken or displaced flue has the potential to cut down airflow.
- Bad Fitting or Installing
The older or improperly fitting vents may be more likely to block.
Indications your Boiler Intake is Clogged
Not all problems require specialised equipment to be detected. Look out for these signs:
1. Strange smell
When you perceive a strong gas smell around the boiler or inside the rooms you should consider it seriously.
2. Yellow Flame
A normal flame in the boiler is blue. When the flame is yellow or orange then it is possible to have poor combustion.
3. Boiler Shutting Down
Your boiler needs to switch off frequently or may not start.
4. Increased Bills and Ineffective Heating
When use of your radiators is not warm enough despite the boiler operating, this might be as a result of inadequate ventilating.
5. Rusty or Stains
Rust is an indicator of soot that surrounds the boiler or vent.
Health and Safety Risks
Blockage of the vent may allow the entry of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is transparent and odorless. It may result in headaches and dizziness, nausea and in the worst case, it may be fatal. Due to this fact, any indication of blocked vent should be regarded as a matter of emergency.
Checks that can be Done in an Hour or Less
- Examine Exterior: Clear of the foliage, nest or snow.
- Listen To The Boiler: They sound strange or shut down often.
- Check The Flame: A flame that is yellow in colour indicates the need to turn off the boiler upon notice, and in this case, seek help.
- Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm: In case you do not have a carbon monoxide alarm, you should fit a test alarm in your house.
The Reason why the Repair of a Blocked Vent is Critical to your Bills
In case of the blocked vent, the boiler works harder to warm your home. This burns half of your fuel and increases your electric bills. The vent can be fixed back to increase efficiency and lower costs of running. In the UK, energy conservation will reduce your carbon footprint as well.
When to Call a Professional
When you find a nest and you see yellow flame, smell gas or you are a suspect of carbon monoxide, do not work on it individually. Contact a Gas safe registered engineer immediately. They possess the right equipment and training in checking the flue, clearing a blockage and examining leaks.
Age of Your Boiler
- Symptoms which you observed (smell, noises, colour of flame)
- Recent Servicing History
Pro Tip: These are the two facts that make the process of assessment fast and enable you to receive the right advice within a short time.
Easy Measures to Ensure that there are No Future Blockages
- Maintain the area clear of leaves and debris.
- There is a small mesh guard that can be used to prevent nesting in the vent by birds.
- Check After Bad Weather: Storms and snow and ice will accumulate all though the vents.
- Installing a Carbon Monoxide Alarm will provide the preliminary alert in case of the presence of fumes.
The Expectations of a Professional Visit
By calling an engineer, he/she will:
- Examine the flue and vent to blockage or destruction.
- Check the boiler to right combustion and to be leakless.
- Clean up and repair (Where Necessary).
How Eco Boiler Grants can Help
Eco Boiler Grants focuses on helping UK homes access grants and schemes for heating and energy upgrades. In case the blocked vent also implies that your boiler requires some repairs or replacement, you could be a recipient of a grant to pay towards a more efficient, safer system. Check your eligibility for boiler replacement grant by just filling out this form in 60 seconds! and learn about schemes that may help cover the cost of repairs or a new boiler.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is dangerous to disregard a clogged vent and become a victim of carbon monoxide, boiler malfunction and increased energy expenses. Always treat it as urgent.
The simple outside debris may be carried out, however, do not attempt to correct internal or flue troubles. Safe repairs should be done by calling a Gas safe engineer.Â
Costs vary by the problem. A basic clear could cost less whereas the repair of a flue or replacement of a boiler is costly. You can be eligible to receive grant support.
Yes, an alarm provides early warning of the hazardous fumes, however, not to replace the regular maintenance and appropriate vent care.
