Heating maintenance and safety warnings for the start of the season

As temperatures drop in the Netherlands, experts are warning homeowners about the importance of central heating maintenance and proper radiator care to prevent malfunctions and safety hazards.

When bleeding radiators to remove trapped air, it is crucial to check the water pressure afterward. Failing to do so can cause the pressure to drop too low, preventing warm water from reaching upper floors or causing the boiler to fail. Experts suggest starting the bleeding process from the ground floor and working upward toward the attic.

Data from the Toelatingsorganisatie Kwaliteitsborging Bouw (TIoKB) indicates that only about 70 percent of central heating boilers are regularly maintained. This leaves approximately 1.1 million boilers with unknown maintenance histories. Dick Reijman of Techniek Nederland warns that neglected boilers can suffer from worn parts affecting combustion, air supply, or exhaust, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and inefficient gas consumption.