How to Prepare Your Home's Heating for Winter

Start Early

The best time to check your heating is in September — before the cold hits and while engineers are less busy. Waiting until December means waiting longer for appointments and potentially facing an emergency breakdown.

Turn Your Heating On Now

Switch on your heating system before you need it and run it for at least an hour. Check that:

If anything doesn't work correctly, you have time to get it fixed without urgency.

Book Your Annual Service

If your boiler hasn't been serviced in the past 12 months, book one now. Autumn is the most popular time for services, so book early to get your preferred date.

A service will identify any issues before they cause a breakdown and ensure your boiler is operating safely and efficiently.

Bleed Your Radiators

After a summer of being switched off, air can become trapped in your radiators. Bleed each radiator to release trapped air — you'll notice improved heat distribution almost immediately.

Check and Lag Your Condensate Pipe

The condensate pipe on modern boilers runs outside and is vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. If it's not already insulated, buy some outdoor pipe lagging from a hardware store and wrap it around the pipe. This is a cheap and simple job that could save you a winter breakdown.

Test Your Thermostats and Programmers

Check that your room thermostat and programmer are working correctly. Replace batteries in wireless thermostats. Update the timing programme for winter hours.

If you have an old mechanical programmer, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat — they're more accurate, easier to control, and can save you money.

Check for Draughts

While not strictly a heating system issue, draughts significantly reduce how effectively your home retains heat. Check window seals, letterboxes, and doors — draught-proofing is cheap and effective.

For professional heating preparation, servicing, and advice, call Halo Heating on 01483 676108.