Preparing Central heating for Winter

When the nights start drawing in and the temperature drops, it’s tempting to flick the heating on straight away. But after months of being off over spring and summer, your central heating system may need a little attention before you rely on it to keep your home warm.

Here are some simple checks and steps to prepare your central heating for the colder months.

1. Test Your Heating Early
Don’t wait until the first freezing night to discover there’s a problem. Turn your heating on for an hour or two in early autumn. This way you can make sure your boiler, radiators, and controls are all working as they should. If something isn’t right, you’ll have time to get it fixed before demand for engineers spikes.

2. Bleed Your Radiators
Air can build up in your radiators when they’re not in use, leading to cold spots and reduced efficiency. If you notice the top of a radiator is cool while the bottom is hot, it probably needs bleeding. This is a quick job with a radiator key, but make sure to have a cloth handy to catch any drips. Also make sure to check the boiler pressure after bleeding radiators.

3. Check Boiler Pressure
Most boilers need the pressure to sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it’s too low, your system won’t run properly. You can usually top it up via the filling loop, but if the pressure keeps dropping, it may be a sign of a leak or another issue that needs professional attention such as the boiler expansion vessell

4. Inspect Thermostats & Timers
Make sure your thermostat is working correctly and your heating schedule suits your household. Modern smart thermostats can help you save money by only heating your home when needed.


5. Look Out for Noises
When your boiler and radiators fire up after months of inactivity, listen for unusual banging, gurgling, or whistling noises. These can indicate trapped air, sludge build-up, or pump problems.

6. Book a Professional Service
An annual boiler service is the best way to keep your system running safely and efficiently. A Gas Safe registered engineer will check all the key components, clean parts, and ensure there are no hidden problems. Having this done before winter gives peace of mind that your heating will cope with the cold.

Final Thoughts
By spending a little time preparing your central heating system before the cold weather sets in, you can avoid breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your energy bills under control.

If you’d like help getting your system ready for winter, MJS Appliance Boiler Repairs Ltd is here to help. Contact us today to book a service or repair and make sure your home stays warm and comfortable all season long.