Good to know. Better to be prepared.
The practical details of looking after your heating. Clear advice, with the limits explained.
-
Bleeding radiators: how to do it safely
A radiator that is cold at the top and warm at the bottom usually has air trapped in it. Bleeding it is a ten-minute job you can do yourself. Here is how, and what to do when it does not fix the problem.
-
Boiler noises: what banging, kettling and gurgling mean
Boilers are never silent, but new or loud noises usually mean something has changed. Here is what each common noise tends to point to, what you can check yourself, and when to stop and get an engineer.
-
Boiler pressure low: what it should be and how to top it up
Low boiler pressure is one of the few boiler faults you can usually fix yourself. Here is what the gauge should read, how to top up safely, and the signs that it is time to call an engineer.
-
Boiler Replacement Scheme NI: is it still open?
The Northern Ireland Boiler Replacement Scheme closed in September 2023. Here is what it was, what help is available instead, and where to check the latest official position.
-
Common problems with Firebird oil boilers
Firebird oil boilers are common in Northern Ireland, and most of the faults we see on them are the same ones any oil boiler gets. Here is what tends to go wrong, what you can check, and what needs an OFTEC engineer.
-
Heat pumps in Northern Ireland: what you need to know
Heat pumps are becoming more common in Northern Ireland, especially in oil-heated and newer homes. Here is how they work, which homes suit them, where grants stand in 2026, and what servicing involves.
-
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year, for gas, oil and heat pumps. Here is why, when in the year to book it, and what a missed service can cost you.
-
Is boiler cover worth it?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on your boiler's age, your appetite for a surprise bill, and what the cover actually includes. Here is how to work it out, with no sales pitch until the end.
-
Oil boiler not firing or locked out: what to check
A lockout light on an oil boiler is common, especially in winter. Most causes are simple, but the reset button can make things worse if you lean on it. Here is what you can safely check, and when to stop.
-
Oil boiler smoke or smell: what it means and what to do
Smoke from the flue or a smell of oil or fumes is your boiler telling you something is wrong. Some causes are minor, some are not. Here is how to tell, and what to do right now.
-
Oil to gas conversion in Northern Ireland
If the gas main runs past your house, switching from oil can make sense. Here is how to check, what the conversion involves step by step, what offers exist, and the questions to ask before you commit.
-
Should you replace a 20-year-old boiler?
Age alone is not a reason to rip out a boiler. Safety, efficiency, parts and repair history are. Here is how to weigh up an old gas or oil boiler honestly, before anyone sells you a new one.
-
What does a boiler service include?
A proper boiler service follows the manufacturer's checklist, measures how the boiler is burning and leaves you a written record. Here is what that means for gas, oil and heat pumps, and how long it takes.
No guides match that search. Try another heating topic.
Your boiler has a spec. We work to it.
Choose your service and a preferred arrival window. We confirm your exact slot by phone.