Cold UK winters place extra demand on heating systems. Pre-season maintenance prevents breakdowns, improves efficiency, and reduces energy bills.
At Premium Heating Plumbing & Cooling we have plenty of experience of seeing what happens if you don’t prepare your central heating system properly for the winter ahead.
We’ve seen boiler breakdowns, radiators failing to heat properly, and faulty thermostats, all when people need their heating the most. With proper preparation you can avoid these problems keeping your house warm all winter.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 9 essential steps to prepare your heating system for winter, including:
- Book a Professional Boiler Service
- Bleed your Radiators
- Check Boiler Pressure
- Test Your Heating Early
- Inspect Pipes and Insulation
- Replace or Clean Filters
- Check Thermostat and Controls
- Consider a System Flush
- Don’t forget Safety Checks
9 Ways you can Prepare Your Heating System for Winter
Drawing on years of experience with heating systems in the harshest winters, we’ve created an expert 9 step checklist of how to winterise a boiler heating system.
- Book a Professional Boiler Service
The first step to having a boiler that runs smoothly when you need it running most is getting an annual boiler service.
Annual boiler servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer is essential. It ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with warranty requirements.
A boiler service includes:
- Check boiler case/ burner seals.
- Check flue termination and check that it is sealed to the fabric of the building.
- Clean condensate trap.
- Clean magnetic filter.
- Gas rate appliance.
- Check gas pressures at appliance.
- Carry out a flue combustion analysis.
- Visually check for leaks.
- Provide certification for service.
- Give any advice on controls and advice on system efficiency.
- Report any issues we find and how they can be fixed.
- Bleed Radiators
Bleeding your radiators at least once a year means that trapped air that stops radiators heating fully is released. Doing this just before winter ensures that your radiators are able to reach their optimum temperature when you need them most. You should check your radiator for cold spots and balance the system if needed.
You can rebalance your radiators by adjusting the lockshield valves so they all heat evenly. This means reducing water flow to radiators that heat too quickly and increasing it to those that heat slowly. Doing so ensures consistent warmth throughout your home, so your radiators don’t let you down on those cold winter mornings.
Radiator rebalancing is a job you can do yourself, however, it requires care and specific tools. If you don’t feel confident tackling this task on your own, contact a heating engineer. They will be happy to rebalance your radiator for you.
- Check Boiler Pressure
Maintaining the correct boiler pressure is essential for efficient heating during winter.
Check the boiler’s pressure gauge to ensure it sits at the recommended level, usually between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, carefully top it up following the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your system running smoothly and prevent potential breakdowns during the colder months.
- Test Your Heating Early
The key to preparing your heating system for winter effectively is starting early, before temperatures begin to drop. If you check your system early, you can identify any issues and fix them in good time before they become emergencies in winter.
If you’ve skipped this step and find yourself facing a winter heating emergency, don’t panic. Premium Heating and Plumbing offers expert boiler repair services that will get your home warm again in no time.
- Inspect Pipes and Insulation
Before the temperatures drop, it’s always a good idea to inspect your pipes and insulation to prevent costly damage and issues when you are relying on your heating system for comfort.
Key Steps for Pipe and Insulation Maintenance:
- Lag outdoor and exposed pipes by adding proper insulation
- Check for leaks, corrosion, or weak joints
- Insulate vulnerable areas, such as lofts, basements, and crawl spaces
Taking these steps can prevent your pipes freezing and bursting, stop small issues from causing major issues in freezing temperatures and maintain consistent water flow and prevent cold damage.
- Replace or Clean Filters (if applicable)
Maintaining clean filters is crucial for optimal heating performance. For systems that use air filters, replacing or cleaning them improves airflow, reduces strain on the system, and enhances overall efficiency.
Replacing or cleaning your filters is a simple step that helps your heating run more effectively and can prevent unnecessary wear or potential malfunctions during the colder months.
- Check Thermostat and Controls
Properly functioning thermostats and heating controls are essential for comfort, efficiency, and safety during winter.
Make sure all timers and thermostats are working correctly to maintain consistent temperatures and avoid unnecessary strain on your heating system. For added convenience and energy savings, consider switching to smart controls, which allow precise temperature management and can help prevent overheating or excessive energy use.
- Consider a System Flush (if needed)
Over time, heating systems can accumulate sludge and debris, which restricts water flow and reduces efficiency.
A professional power flush removes this buildup, improving circulation and helping your system run more smoothly. This is especially beneficial for older systems, as it can extend their lifespan, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of breakdowns during the winter months.
If you have an older heating system which hasn’t been flushed for a while, it is worth contacting a heating engineer. They can do this for you, ensuring your system is able to perform to its optimum before the cold starts to kick in.
- Safety Checks
It is vital for the safety of your home and your family that you carry out safety checks when preparing your heating system for winter. This should be a top priority because poorly maintained heating systems can be extremely dangerous.
To ensure your heating system is safe for winter you must:
- Install or test carbon monoxide alarms – this protects your household from this invisible hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you already have one, check its batteries.
- Check that all ventilation around your boiler is clear and unobstructed – this ensures safe and efficient operation throughout the colder months.
- Ensure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains – this improves heat circulation and reduces fire risk
DIY heating system winterisation vs professional tune-up
A professional tune-up offers a more thorough winterisation process, including expert safety inspections and deep cleaning. Overall, professional winterisation is much more in depth than basic maintenance. DIY heating system winterisation can save money on simple tasks like replacing filters, but professional service ensures optimum efficiency, prevents expensive repairs, and detects hidden issues so say can be fixed before then turn into more serious problems.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter for efficiency?
For efficiency, set your thermostat to between 18°C and 21°C during winter. This temperature is both efficient and comfortable for healthy adults. However, if you have an infant, set your thermostat to 16-20°C in their room to keep your baby safe and avoid overheating.
Winter Heating System Tips for New Homeowners
There are three key things new homeowners need to do to ensure their heating system is ready for winter.
- Schedule an annual boiler service
- Test the system before it gets cold
- Check/ Improve insulation
Staying Warm Starts with Proper Preparation
Stay warm, safe, and efficient this winter by preparing your heating system in advance. Early maintenance prevents issues when you need your heating the most, saves money on energy bills, and ensures your home stays comfortable during the winter.
A well prepared central heating system not only delivers reliable performance but also provides peace of mind throughout the colder months.
The most effective way to prepare your boiler is through regular boiler servicing. It is a good idea to book your boiler service before the weather turns cold. Preparing for the winter early makes you less likely to be caught out when the temperatures drop.