Get Your Heating Ready Before the Cold Sets In
Every year we see the same thing. The first cold snap arrives in October or November, everyone switches their heating on for the first time in months, and the phone starts ringing with breakdowns. The boiler has been sitting idle all summer, and whatever was just about working in March has now given up entirely. A bit of preparation in early autumn can save you a lot of stress and money when the temperature drops.
Book an Annual Service
If your boiler has not been serviced in the last 12 months, September or early October is the best time to get it done. Engineers are less busy before the heating season kicks in, so you will get an appointment faster. A service checks that everything is running safely and efficiently, and it catches small problems before they turn into breakdowns. It also keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid, which is important if the boiler is relatively new.
Turn Your Heating On Early
Do not wait for the first cold day. Switch your heating on for 15 to 20 minutes in September, even if you do not need it. This gets the pump moving, circulates water through the system, and shows up any problems while you still have time to get them fixed. If the boiler fires up and everything heats evenly, you are in good shape. If not, you have time to book an engineer before the rush.
Bleed Your Radiators
If a radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, there is trapped air inside. This is normal, especially after the system has been off for a few months. You can bleed them yourself with a radiator key, which you can pick up from any hardware shop. Turn the heating off, use the key to open the bleed valve slightly, let the air hiss out until water starts to come through, then close it up. Check the boiler pressure afterwards and top it up if it has dropped below 1 bar.
Check Your Thermostat and Timer
Make sure your thermostat is responding and your timer is set correctly. If you have an older dial thermostat, it might be worth upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Being able to control your heating room by room and set schedules can make a noticeable difference to your bills, especially in larger homes around Battle and Hastings.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
The condensate pipe on your boiler, which usually runs to an outside drain, is one of the most common causes of winter breakdowns. When it freezes, the boiler locks out and will not fire up. Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to fit, and it can prevent a callout on the coldest night of the year. If your condensate pipe runs along an outside wall or through an unheated garage, insulating it now is well worth the effort.
Think About Upgrading
If your boiler is over 12 to 15 years old and you are noticing higher bills or more frequent repairs, autumn is a good time to start thinking about a replacement. Getting a new boiler fitted before winter means you are covered for the whole cold season, and you avoid the longer wait times that come once everyone else's boiler has broken down.
Need Help Getting Ready for Winter?
Optimum HVAC covers Battle, Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, and all surrounding areas. Call Zak on 07791 666357 to book a service or get a free quote on any heating work. Over 100 five-star reviews, Gas Safe registered, and always happy to help.
