Posted on: 20 November 2024
Now that the mercury has already hit freezing for many of us in Northern Ireland, it’s a good time to do some checks around the house
Winter can be tough on your home and heating system, but a little preparation can go a long way in preventing boiler breakdowns and keeping your heating running smoothly. Our Winter Check guide is here to help you get ahead of the colder months, so you can stay warm and worry-free.
4 Steps to Get Winter-Ready
Nobody wants to be left without heating and hot water when the temperatures drop. Follow these simple steps to ensure your boiler and heating system are ready to handle winter’s challenges.
- Test Your Heating System Early
During warmer months, many people switch their boiler to hot water mode to save on energy costs. It’s likely now you may have already done this but as winter approaches, it’s crucial to turn your central heating back on and ensure everything is working efficiently.
- How to test: Set your boiler and radiators to their highest temperature for around 15 minutes.
- Why it matters: This quick test can help you identify any issues before the cold weather arrives, giving you time to address them without the pressure of an emergency.
- Bleed Your Radiators
Over time, air can build up in your heating system, causing gurgling noises or cold spots at the top of your radiators. Bleeding your radiators will release the trapped air and ensure your system works efficiently.
- After bleeding: Always check your boiler pressure. Low pressure can impact the performance of your heating, so topping it up may be necessary.
Check out our step-by-step video guide on how to bleed your radiators—it’s quick, easy, and keeps your home cosy.
- Monitor Your Boiler Pressure
Your boiler’s pressure gauge or display will show the system’s pressure level. Ideally, it should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cool.
- Lost pressure? Don’t worry—it’s often a simple fix. You can re-pressurise your boiler yourself by following the instructions in your boiler’s user manual or our how-to video. However if this happens more than once or on a regular basis, please give us a call at the office to schedule a call out as there might be an issue that needs to be investigated.
Keeping your boiler pressure at the right level ensures efficient performance and avoids unnecessary strain on your system.
- Prevent and Defrost a Frozen Condensate Pipe
Frozen condensate pipes are a common issue during winter, especially with modern condensing boilers. If part of the pipe runs outside, freezing temperatures can cause it to block, which may stop your boiler from working.
- Signs of a frozen condensate pipe:
- Gurgling noises from the boiler
- Error codes (e.g., ‘EA’ on digital displays)
If your condensate pipe freezes, you can safely thaw it yourself using warm water. Worcester Bosch’s guide to defrosting a condensate pipe walks you through the process step-by-step.
Stay Ahead of Winter
A little preparation now can save you a lot of hassle later. By following these simple steps, you’ll reduce the risk of boiler breakdowns and keep your home warm all winter long.
For more expert tips, watch our full series of how-to videos or contact our team for professional advice.