While we’re heating experts, we know that your heating system works best when it’s part of a well-prepared home. Before you even touch your boiler, take a moment to look at your house itself.
- Check for Draughts: Find and seal any draughts around windows and doors. Simple draught excluders and sealant can make a huge difference in keeping warm air in and cold air out.
- Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: Make sure your loft insulation is in good condition and is at the recommended depth. Consider checking if your walls have cavity wall insulation.
- Clean Gutters and Drains: Autumn brings rain and falling leaves. Make sure your gutters and drains are clear to prevent blockages and potential damp issues, which can make your home feel colder.
- Get Your Chimney Swept: If you have an open fire or log burner, now is the time to have your chimney swept. This is crucial for safety and efficiency.
These simple home preparations will make your heating system’s job much easier once it’s on.
How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter?
Once your house is ready, it’s time to focus on the heating system itself. Think of this as a pre-season warm-up for your boiler and radiators.
- Switch It On (Before It Gets Cold!): The single best thing you can do is to turn your heating on for a few hours. Do this on a mild day in autumn. By running it, you can identify any potential issues early. Listen for strange noises and check that all your radiators are getting hot. If you notice any problems, you have plenty of time to call an engineer without the panic of a winter breakdown.
- Bleed Your Radiators: Air can build up in your radiators over the summer, preventing hot water from circulating properly. If your radiators are cold at the top and warm at the bottom, it’s time to bleed them. You’ll need a radiator key and a cloth. Open the valve slowly and let the air escape until water starts to trickle out.
- Check Your Boiler Pressure: Look at your boiler’s pressure gauge. It should be in the green zone, usually between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it’s too low, you’ll need to top it up using the filling loop. If it’s too high, you might need to bleed a radiator.
- Book Your Annual Boiler Service: An annual service is non-negotiable for a healthy system. A Gas Safe registered engineer will clean and check the boiler’s key components, ensuring it’s running safely and efficiently. This is the best way to prevent a breakdown and keep your boiler’s warranty valid. You can book a professional check-up and service with us on our Boiler Servicing page.
What is the Most Economical Way to Run Your Central Heating?
Once your system is ready for the season, you’ll want to run it as economically as possible.
- Use Your Programmer/Thermostat Wisely: Don’t just leave your heating on all the time. Use a timer to set your heating to come on just before you wake up and go off after you’ve gone to bed. You can also turn it down or off when you’re out of the house.
- Turn Down the Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills. A comfortable temperature is often around 19-21°C.
- Heat the Rooms You Use: If you have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), use them to control the temperature in each room. Turn down the radiators in rooms you don’t use, like a spare bedroom, to avoid wasting heat.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be well-prepared for the colder weather, and you can enjoy a warm, comfortable, and efficient home all season long.