How to prepare your central heating system for the winter

There are many myths about what can and can’t make our homes lose heat during the winter. Ensure that you are knowledgeable about what is saving or losing you heat, and prepare for the looming cold months.

Here, we have a list of what you can do to prepare your home for winter. 

Check. Check. Check.

Check over everything. Ensure that your vents are clear and that there is no build up of dirt or dust. This will ensure that your central heating system is circulating and working to its maximum capacity.

Check your radiators for cold spots. These are usually placed at the top of your radiator, and can indicate trapped air. If this is the case, you can bleed your radiators using our handy guide here.

Ensure that there are no new draughts in your home that need to be insulated.

Ensure that the humidity of your home is correct. You can invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier to fix any humidity issues, or use natural remedies like growing leafy plants.

Book an annual service.

Booking an annual boiler service will give you peace of mind that it is working to its full potential. It can also find any issues that need to be fixed before they get worse. 

Think of an annual boiler service as an MOT for your boiler. Whilst it's not a legal requirement, having a service will ensure that your boiler is working efficiently, saving you energy and money in the long run.

Thankfully, all of our engineers are Gas Safe registered, so you you are rest assured that your boiler service will be done safely and reliably. Have a look at our boiler service plans here for more information.

Warm up your central heating system before the cold weather hits. 

Don’t wait until it's freezing cold to turn on your heating. You will not want to wait until winter to find out that there is a problem with your boiler. Turn it on early, at a low temperature, and make sure it is working well.

Clear the guttering whilst it's still shining.

The summer is the perfect time for clearing out the guttering of your home. Clogged gutters will disrupt the movement of rainwater and can cause leaks, broken guttering or other unwanted issues. Do it now whilst the sun is still shining a little.

Use the furniture to your advantage.

Invest in a good set of thick curtains to help insulate your rooms. Buy a rug to stop heat leaking through cracks to make the room feel warmer. 

Small things like rearranging your furniture can make a difference. By moving your sofa away from the radiator, you stop trapping heat so the air can circulate more freely. You can prevent this heat from being lost upwards by installing a shelf above the radiator or using a radiator cover.

Hopefully, these tips will give you peace of mind that your central heating system will be fully prepared for winter. 

Alternatively, if your boiler is on the verge of breaking, and you think you may be in need of a new one, contact us today.  

Rely on us to keep you warm.