Winter is coming, its time to prepare your heating system. By its very nature, winter is when your heating system will be forced to work at its hardest, so it makes sense to do everything you can to prepare for the upcoming season. As the local experts in the field, we have put together nine things you should implement before the inevitable cold weather begins to spread its icy tentacles.
1. Get your boiler professionally serviced
Your boiler is one of the most important components within your home, keeping you and your family warm throughout the cold months. It also heats up your water, so if anything goes wrong, it could have an immediate and detrimental effect on you and your family’s daily life. Just like you service your car every year, your boiler deserves the same level of care.
2. Do a quick turn on
Although this is a simple task, you don’t want to discover that your boiler won’t power up properly at the first sign of cold weather. Do a quick test while we’re still enjoying the summer sun to confirm that the boiler fires up without any issues.
3. If possible, insulate your pipes
Insulating your pipes is a cost-efficient method to reduce pressure on your boiler during the winter months. This works by helping prevent your pipes from freezing, which in turn minimizes the chances of your boiler failing. Unfortunately, this is not always feasible if the pipework isn’t easily accessible, but we strongly recommend it if possible.
4. Check the efficiency and status of your radiators
As your heating system ages, air can become trapped in the system, especially at the top of the radiator. This results in radiators being cold at the top but warm at the bottom. A simple solution is to bleed your radiators, which usually resolves the problem. If bleeding the radiators doesn’t help, this may indicate a build-up of sludge within the radiators, which can affect your boiler’s efficiency. The best solution is to call professionals like Moreheat, who can power flush your system.
5. Invest in a Carbon Monoxide alarm
Although not directly related to the efficiency of your heating system, your safety is our priority at Moreheat, which is why we always recommend installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm. These alarms alert you when there’s an issue with your heating system and could potentially save your life.
6. Check for thermostat faults
A common issue we encounter is a faulty thermostat, which can cause your heating system to stop working. Often, this is a simple fix, such as replacing the batteries. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to contact professionals to replace or upgrade your thermostat.
7. Clean your boiler
Another quick and easy task is cleaning your boiler. Dust can build up and block the airflow, making the boiler work harder and reducing its efficiency. However, when cleaning, do not remove any boiler covers to clean areas that aren’t usually accessible, as this could put you at risk.
8. Regularly check the pressure of your boiler
While this article focuses on winter preparation, checking your boiler pressure is important year-round. Most modern boilers have a pressure dial on the front that indicates the current pressure. A quick check will tell you whether the pressure is in the green (good) or red (problematic) zone. Low pressure can impact the flow of water through your heating system, while high pressure may require you to bleed the radiators, as mentioned earlier. By regularly checking the pressure, you can stay ahead of potential issues.
9. Ensure your boiler has room to breathe
Finally, make sure your boiler has room to breathe. Many boilers are located in airing cupboards, which are often used to store towels and bedding. In modern homes with limited storage, it can be tempting to stack items around the boiler, but this can cause problems and reduce efficiency. Always ensure that your boiler has at least 60 cm of space around it, with 20 cm of clearance above and below.
About Moreheat Ltd
Moreheat Ltd, a business based in Torquay, specialises in heating, electrical, and renewable energy solutions. Offering installation, maintenance, and repairs for both homeowners and businesses, the company is known for its reliable, personalised service. Moreheat Ltd is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency while supporting the local community with high-quality, tailored solutions.
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Winter is coming, its time to prepare your heating system. By its very nature, winter is when your heating system will be forced to work at its hardest, so it makes sense to do everything you can to prepare for the upcoming season. As the local experts in the field, we have put together nine things you should implement before the inevitable cold weather begins to spread its icy tentacles.
1. Get your boiler professionally serviced
Your boiler is one of the most important components within your home, keeping you and your family warm throughout the cold months. It also heats up your water, so if anything goes wrong, it could have an immediate and detrimental effect on you and your family’s daily life. Just like you service your car every year, your boiler deserves the same level of care.
2. Do a quick turn on
Although this is a simple task, you don’t want to discover that your boiler won’t power up properly at the first sign of cold weather. Do a quick test while we’re still enjoying the summer sun to confirm that the boiler fires up without any issues.
3. If possible, insulate your pipes
Insulating your pipes is a cost-efficient method to reduce pressure on your boiler during the winter months. This works by helping prevent your pipes from freezing, which in turn minimizes the chances of your boiler failing. Unfortunately, this is not always feasible if the pipework isn’t easily accessible, but we strongly recommend it if possible.
4. Check the efficiency and status of your radiators
As your heating system ages, air can become trapped in the system, especially at the top of the radiator. This results in radiators being cold at the top but warm at the bottom. A simple solution is to bleed your radiators, which usually resolves the problem. If bleeding the radiators doesn’t help, this may indicate a build-up of sludge within the radiators, which can affect your boiler’s efficiency. The best solution is to call professionals like Moreheat, who can power flush your system.
5. Invest in a Carbon Monoxide alarm
Although not directly related to the efficiency of your heating system, your safety is our priority at Moreheat, which is why we always recommend installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm. These alarms alert you when there’s an issue with your heating system and could potentially save your life.
6. Check for thermostat faults
A common issue we encounter is a faulty thermostat, which can cause your heating system to stop working. Often, this is a simple fix, such as replacing the batteries. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to contact professionals to replace or upgrade your thermostat.
7. Clean your boiler
Another quick and easy task is cleaning your boiler. Dust can build up and block the airflow, making the boiler work harder and reducing its efficiency. However, when cleaning, do not remove any boiler covers to clean areas that aren’t usually accessible, as this could put you at risk.
8. Regularly check the pressure of your boiler
While this article focuses on winter preparation, checking your boiler pressure is important year-round. Most modern boilers have a pressure dial on the front that indicates the current pressure. A quick check will tell you whether the pressure is in the green (good) or red (problematic) zone. Low pressure can impact the flow of water through your heating system, while high pressure may require you to bleed the radiators, as mentioned earlier. By regularly checking the pressure, you can stay ahead of potential issues.
9. Ensure your boiler has room to breathe
Finally, make sure your boiler has room to breathe. Many boilers are located in airing cupboards, which are often used to store towels and bedding. In modern homes with limited storage, it can be tempting to stack items around the boiler, but this can cause problems and reduce efficiency. Always ensure that your boiler has at least 60 cm of space around it, with 20 cm of clearance above and below.
About Moreheat Ltd
Moreheat Ltd, a business based in Torquay, specialises in heating, electrical, and renewable energy solutions. Offering installation, maintenance, and repairs for both homeowners and businesses, the company is known for its reliable, personalised service. Moreheat Ltd is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency while supporting the local community with high-quality, tailored solutions.
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER