Get your heating ready for winter: a 10-minute checklist

A few simple checks now can save you a cold house – and a call-out – when the first cold snap arrives. Here’s what to do before you need your heating every day.

Most heating breakdowns happen on the first really cold days, when boilers that have sat idle all summer are suddenly asked to work flat out. Ten minutes of checks in October or early November can save you a cold house and a call-out.

1. Turn your heating on now

Don’t wait for the first frost. Run your heating for half an hour on a mild day. If something isn’t right, you’ll find out while it’s still easy to get it fixed – not in the middle of a cold snap when every engineer is busy.

2. Check your boiler pressure

For most combi and system boilers, the gauge should read around 1 to 1.5 bar when the heating is cold. If it’s low, your boiler manual will show you how to top it up. If you have to top it up again and again, there’s a problem worth getting looked at. Read our guide to boiler pressure.

3. Feel every radiator

Once the heating has been on for a while, carefully feel each radiator. Cold at the top usually means air – a quick bleed fixes it. Cold at the bottom or in patches often means sludge. Our radiator guide explains what each sign means.

4. Test your thermostat and timer

Turn the thermostat up and listen for the boiler firing, then turn it down and check it stops. Make sure your timer or smart controls are set for winter, and swap the batteries in any wireless thermostats.

5. Test your carbon monoxide alarm

Press the test button. Check the expiry date on the back – most alarms last 7 to 10 years. If you have a gas boiler, fire or cooker and no CO alarm, get one. We fit them for £65 inc VAT on any visit.

6. Protect pipes from frost

Pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls can freeze and burst. Lag any exposed pipework, and keep an eye on the white plastic condensate pipe that runs from your boiler to a drain outside – it’s the one most likely to freeze. Here’s what to do if it does.

7. Find your stopcock

If a pipe bursts, you need to turn off the water fast. Find your stopcock now – it’s often under the kitchen sink – and check it turns. Make sure everyone at home knows where it is.

8. Book your boiler service

An annual service is the best way to avoid a winter breakdown. It keeps your boiler safe and efficient, and most manufacturers need it to keep your warranty valid. Our boiler service is £126 inc VAT for any make of domestic gas boiler, and it usually takes 45 to 90 minutes. Book your boiler service – or join BoilerJax from £12.50 a month for your service, no call-out charges and labour cover.

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