Keeping you warm this winter: 6 simple heating tips

When the cold weather hits, we’re here with same working day call-outs if you need us. But there’s plenty you can do yourself to keep your heating running smoothly, and a few quick checks now can stop a small niggle turning into a cold house in January.

Here are six simple things you can do at home. And if you’d rather leave it to us, you can book us in any time.

Your boiler and radiators

1. Check your boiler pressure

With the heating off, your boiler’s pressure gauge should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar. That’s where most boilers run at their best. If it’s dropped below 1, your boiler manual will show you how to top it up using the filling loop. If the pressure keeps falling after you’ve topped it up, there may be a leak somewhere in the system, so it’s worth getting an engineer to take a look.

2. Bleed your radiators

If a radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, there’s air trapped inside. Bleeding it lets the air out so hot water can fill the whole radiator and your rooms warm up faster.

1. Turn your heating off and let the radiators cool down.
2. Hold a cloth under the bleed valve at the top corner and turn it slowly with a radiator key.
3. You’ll hear a hiss as the air escapes. Close the valve as soon as water starts to drip out.
4. Check your boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding can lower it.

3. Give it a test run

Don’t wait for the first frost to find out something’s wrong. Switch your heating on for a short while before the cold weather arrives and check that every radiator warms up. Listen out for banging, gurgling or whistling, as these can be early signs of a problem that’s easier to sort now than in the middle of a cold snap.

4. Check your thermostat and timer

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, so it’s a good time to make sure your timer is set to the right time and your heating comes on when you actually need it. A steady, comfortable temperature is usually more efficient than turning the thermostat right up whenever you feel a chill.

Pipes and safety

5. Protect your pipes

Most modern boilers have a plastic condensate pipe that runs outside. In freezing weather it can ice up and block, which makes the boiler shut down, often with a gurgling noise or an error code on the display. To thaw it, pour warm (not boiling) water along the outside section of the pipe, then restart your boiler following the manual. Boiling water can crack the pipe, so always let the kettle cool first. Lagging any exposed pipes in lofts, garages and outbuildings also helps stop them freezing in the first place.

6. Test your carbon monoxide alarm

Press the test button on your carbon monoxide alarm to check it’s working, and replace the batteries or the alarm itself if it doesn’t sound. You should have one in any room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner. Headaches, dizziness and nausea that ease when you leave the house can be signs of carbon monoxide. If you’re ever worried, open windows, get outside and call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.

Or book us in

We’re here all winter.

An annual service is the best way to keep your system safe, efficient and reliable when you need it most. Our Gas Safe and OFTEC registered engineers will check everything is working as it should and spot any wear before it becomes a breakdown. Many manufacturers also need a yearly service to keep your warranty valid, so it’s worth booking in before the busy season.

For extra peace of mind, our Care Plans start from £12.50 a month and cover repairs up to £500. One of our engineers will visit to check your system before your cover begins.

You should also get in touch if:

• you have no heating or hot water
• your boiler pressure keeps dropping, even after topping it up
• there’s an error code that won’t clear after a restart
• your boiler is making unusual noises
• you notice sooty marks, or the flame on your boiler looks yellow instead of blue

If you ever smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 straight away.

We offer same working day call-outs, so if something does go wrong this winter, we’re here to help. Call us on 0330 383 0000 or book online at customheat.co.uk.