Get Your Home Winter-Ready! Your Essential Heating & Plumbing Checklist ❄️

With the colder months fast approaching, now is the perfect time to give your heating system and plumbing a little attention before the winter chill really sets in!

From frosty mornings and freezing temperatures to those damp, chilly evenings, the last thing anyone wants is a heating breakdown or burst pipe when they need their home to be warm and cosy.

A little preparation now can save you time, money and stress later. So, before winter arrives, here are our top tips to help keep your home warm, comfortable and running smoothly throughout the season.

 

🏡 Your Winter Home Preparation Checklist:

• Give Your Heating System a Winter Wake-Up Call - If your heating has been switched off or set to 'Summer Mode', now is the time to get it ready for winter. Check that your boiler is set to provide both hot water and central heating, and make sure your thermostat is programmed correctly. It's always better to discover a problem now rather than on the first freezing morning!
• Check Your Heating Controls and Thermostat - Make sure your heating controls are set up for the colder weather. Many modern systems allow you to programme different temperatures throughout the day and in different areas of your home. Consider setting a lower background temperature in rooms you don't regularly use rather than switching the heating off completely.
• Keep an Eye on Your Boiler Pressure - Boiler pressure can sometimes drop, particularly if your heating system hasn't been used for a while. Check your boiler's pressure gauge and refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct level. For many domestic sealed heating systems, the recommended pressure when cold is around 1-1.5 bar. If the pressure keeps dropping, it may indicate a leak or another issue that needs attention. Please report any concerns rather than attempting repairs yourself.
• Make Sure Your Radiators Are Ready to Go - It's time to turn those radiators back up! Check that radiator valves haven't been left switched off over the summer and that each radiator is heating properly. If you notice any cold spots, particularly towards the top, this could indicate trapped air within the system. Rather than attempting to bleed the radiators yourself, please report any issues to your landlord or property management team so that they can arrange for a qualified professional to investigate if necessary.
• Show Your Radiators a Little TLC - Dusty radiators can affect how efficiently heat circulates around your home. Give them a good clean, making sure to remove dust and dirt from between and behind the panels where possible. It's a simple job that helps keep your radiators working as effectively as they can.
• Set Your Heating Timer – Don't Leave Your Home Vulnerable! - During winter, temperatures can quickly dip below freezing. Leaving your property completely unheated for long periods can increase the risk of frozen pipes, which may eventually crack or burst. Set your heating timer to maintain a suitable background temperature, particularly when you're out of the house or away for a few days. If you're going away during a cold spell, take extra precautions to protect your pipes.
• Locate Your Stopcock - Do you know where your main stopcock is? If a pipe bursts, knowing where the water supply can be turned off quickly can make all the difference. Make sure you know where it is located and report any problems with access or operation to your landlord or property management team. Don't wait until an emergency to find out!

 

Stay warm❄️