How to Winterise Your Heating System
A 30-minute autumn checklist to prepare your boiler and heating for winter — and avoid the January breakdown that could leave you without heat for days.
The best time to identify and fix a heating problem is September — not January when engineers are fully booked and you're shivering. Here's a methodical winterisation checklist.
1. Run the heating for a test hour
Turn the heating on in September and run it for an hour. Identify any radiators that don't heat properly, any unusual noises, and whether the boiler reaches temperature comfortably. Address issues now while there's time.
2. Check boiler pressure
The pressure gauge on a cold system should read 1.0–1.5 bar. If it's below 1 bar, top up via the filling loop. If it's above 2 bar, call an engineer — over-pressure can cause the relief valve to open.
3. Bleed all radiators
After a summer of no use, air can accumulate. Bleed all radiators from the bottom of the house upwards. Recheck pressure after bleeding.
4. Replace thermostat batteries
A dead thermostat battery is one of the most common causes of "broken heating" calls in autumn. Replace batteries now rather than discovering they're flat on the coldest night of the year.
5. Locate the condensate pipe
Modern condensing boilers have a condensate pipe that exits outside. Locate where it exits your property and note its position. In freezing weather, this pipe can ice up and lock out the boiler — knowing where it is saves time when this happens.
6. Insulate the condensate pipe
Wrap the exposed outside section of the condensate pipe with foam pipe lagging (£3–5 from any DIY store). This prevents freezing in all but the most extreme cold.
7. Book your annual service
If you haven't had a service this year, book it now. Engineer diaries fill rapidly from October. Book your service with Corby Boiler Installations — £79.
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