Author: John Pardo

As soon as the weather starts to get colder, you’ll want to be able to turn on your heating to keep warm. To make sure the heating will work without any problems just when you need it, it’s best to start checking the whole system around September.

Start with the radiators

To make sure each one is warm all over and giving you the maximum output, you need to bleed the radiators to remove any air from the system. You’ll need a key, but these are readily available in any hardware department and it is something you can do yourself.

Slot the key into the end of the radiator, have a small bowl ready to catch any water, and turn the key. There will be a hissing sound which is the build-up of air being released, and then water will start to come out. Close with the key and move on to the next radiator.

After you’ve bled them all, check the pressure on the boiler as this might have dropped and need topping up.

Check your boiler

If your boiler also provides you with hot water, you will have been using it throughout the summer as well. Nevertheless, you should get it checked once a year and now would be a good time to do it, before you need heating as well.

If there are any problems with the efficiency of the boiler, if the water and gas pressures need adjusting or if there are any leaks, having it checked by the end of September will ensure that everything is up and running by the time it gets cold enough to turn your heating on.

You’ll want to have the radiators and the boiler in perfect working order by October each year, so it makes sense to have them checked well in advance so that if there are any problems they can be sorted out before winter sets in.

Call us at Barnfields on 07875 403 706 to check your heating system in September or any other time of the year.

Hopefully you check your heating before winter starts so that it’s all working beautifully when it gets cold. Once winter sets in and before the temperatures go right down, it is always a good idea to do some other checks to ensure everything keeps working as it should and you don’t have any unexpected problems.

Insulate your pipes

The cold-water pipes can easily burst if they freeze and the temperature doesn’t have to be excessively low for that to happen, so make sure they are insulated. If you are not sure how to do it, Barnfields can do it for you.

Insulating your hot-water pipes will reduce heat loss. With the pipes insulated, you should be able to lower the temperature setting and therefore save on energy costs. If not already done, your water tank should be insulated too, as the same principle applies.

Outside water taps

If you have any water outlets outside, be sure to turn the water supply off on the inside and leave them open. This too will stop any outside pipes from bursting.

Going away and leaving the house empty

If you are going away during the winter months, always leave the heating on at a low temperature so that it will not get cold enough for the pipes to freeze. Also, leave your loft hatch open to allow the warm air to circulate, as this will prevent the loft from getting too cold.

It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to prepare for the extremely cold temperatures, but if you do take precautions, it will save you money and a lot of heartache.

We are always here to help at Barnfields, so give us a call on 07875 403 706 whenever you need us.