Winter is coming. Are you heating your home safely?
16th November 2022
The nights are drawing in and the leaves are starting to fall. No doubt about it, autumn is upon us. While thoughts drift to Halloween, half-term and eh hem, dare we say it, Christmas, spare a quick moment to consider your home boiler. Warmer temperatures this year mean that many of us have managed to get by until now without the heating on, and there may even be a week or two still to go. Great news for the energy bills but not so great news for your boiler.
Here are 5 great ways to protect your home this Halloween and avoid any heating nightmares.
1 Servicing
The transition from autumn to winter in the UK is a problematic time for your boiler and wider heating system. Left neglected for the best part of 6 months and then suddenly pressed into service can put a huge strain on your boiler’s inner mechanisms. By giving your boiler a fun run every few weeks you can keep it fighting fit for winter. But the best way to make sure you’re home is match fit for the colder months is to regularly service your boiler.
Servicing your boiler in October allows you to address any potential issues before the demand for heating increases dramatically. A breakdown during dark December can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and costly, so it’s best to identify and resolve problems early.
2 Keep costs down
Nothing ruins Halloween like a sudden, ghoulishly expensive heating bill. Well-maintained boilers and heating systems are more efficient, as well as more reliable. Boiler maintenance, whether through regular servicing, or through a boiler cover plan, will not only keep you warm but also save you money on energy bills – not to mention reducing your carbon footprint!
3 Avoid the busiest period
October is a slightly less hectic time for heating engineers compared to the peak winter months. Booking your boiler service in advance means that you can secure an appointment to suit your schedule without the rush and potential delays that can occur when technicians are overwhelmed with winter service requests; or worse than that, a tonne of total boiler breakdowns.
4 Staying safe
Boilers are great but like any machine, they carry their risks too. A faulty boiler can mean that toxic gas is released unknowingly into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. A boiler service, or a service covered under your boiler care plan policy, will check for any hazards or risks posed by your boiler and fix them before they become a threat.
5 Check your radiators
In addition to the boiler itself, servicing your heating system can involve checking and balancing radiators. Ensuring that all radiators in your home heat evenly and efficiently is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during the winter. This can help prevent cold spots and reduce energy waste. If you think your radiators are playing up, there are some things you can try at home. Check out our radiator blog from last winter for some tips. We never suggest performing a DIY job on your boiler, or any tool in your home that uses gas. This is for the professionals only, so give us a call.
October is a great time to spend a little energy on your home heating. It allows you to address potential issues, optimise your home’s heating performance and ensure your safety. From servicing to boiler care plans, from plumbing to drains, our friendly team is on hand to help you make your home safe this Halloween.
Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today
