How to give your home heating system a pre-winter health-check

As we get older, pre-winter health-checks are encouraged. Often a nurse or a GP will check your vitals, make sure you’ve had your flu jab, as well as anything else you might need, and generally make sure you’re prepared for the colder months ahead. Many of us also do this for our cars, so why not our homes?

Here’s your quick 10-step guide to giving your home heating system the once over before the cold weather really sets in for the next few months. 

1 Boiler servicing

Yes, we do bang on about this but it really is the very best way to make sure your boiler keeps on heating your home safely throughout the year. When you schedule a boiler service, a qualified heating engineer will inspect and clean components, check for leaks, and ensure your boiler is operating at peak efficiency.

2 Check your thermostat

This is a money-saver, as well as a kindness to the environment. Test your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately controlling the temperature in your home. Some brands may require recalibrating, or you might need to replace the batteries. You could even consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.

3 Inspect your radiators

Bleed your radiators to release trapped air, allowing them to heat up more efficiently. Check for cold spots, which may indicate sludge buildup. Powerflushing the system can remove any debris and improve overall performance. You can read up about this here, or speak to one of the team to find out more. 

4 Draught-proofing

Inspect doors and windows for draughts. Seal gaps with weatherstripping or draught excluders to prevent heat loss. Nothing worse than cosy toes with the north wind blowing down your neck.

5 Insulation inspection

Proper insulation helps retain heat and reduces the workload on your heating system. Most local authorities are still offering help to update insulation in older homes, so it’s worth investigating. 

6 Check your pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and heating system failures. A basic pipe insulator on an exterior pipe could save you thousands in the long run, and it’s a pretty quick job. 

7 Fuel supply

If your heating system relies on oil or gas, check the fuel supply. Ensure you have sufficient fuel to last through the winter, and schedule deliveries in advance to avoid running out during cold weather.

8 Carbon Monoxide detector

Check that yours is working properly, and if you don’t yet have one, get one! Carbon monoxide is a silent and potentially deadly gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems. Ensure your detector is in good working order to protect your household over the winter. 

9 Chimney inspection

If you have an open fireplace or a wood-burning stove, have the chimney swept before winter to prevent chimney fires and ensure proper ventilation. They’re a beautiful asset to a home but can be a nightmare if they go wrong. 

10 Emergency procedures

Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures in case of a heating system breakdown. Keep our contact details handy and for total peace of mind, you could think about one of our Sensible Boiler Care plans. For less than £1/week, you could have yourself a full boiler service and a back-up sorted before Christmas arrives. 

Regular maintenance not only improves your boiler’s performance but also extends the lifespan of your heating system. So, giving your home heating the once over before Christmas, could just be the best time you’ve spent all year!

Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today