Your heating will work better and cost less this winter if you do five tasks NOW
As the weather starts to get cooler, there are a few simple tasks you need to do to get the most out of your heating this winter.
Heating expert and founder of UKRadiators.comRob Nezard highlights that there are five jobs you can do right now to save stress and money.
And doing them in October will set you up perfectly as we head into the colder months.
Rob says: “Taking the time to check your heating system now can save you costly repairs and ensure your home stays warm when you need it most.”
So if you want to get the most out of the heating in your home this winter, take a look at the tips below from Rob…
Check and bleed your radiators
“One of the most common problems people face as the colder months begin is uneven heating,” says Rob.
“If your radiators aren’t heating up as they should, something good is going on
The potential for trapped air to block heat distribution.”
He recommends checking every radiator in your home and bleeding it if necessary.
Bleeding your radiators releases trapped air, allowing hot water to flow freely and your radiators to operate at maximum efficiency.
Rob added: “This simple step can make a big difference in how well your home heats evenly.”
Maintain your boiler
“It’s crucial to have your boiler serviced before you have to rely on it heavily all winter,” Rob advises.
Regular boiler maintenance not only ensures that the boiler works efficiently, but can also prevent breakdowns at the worst possible times.
He added: “A well-maintained boiler is much less likely to break down when you need it most.
“Additionally, maintenance helps extend lifespan and reduce energy consumption.”
Rob recommends scheduling professional maintenance every year so you can catch any problems early and keep your system in top condition.
Install or check your thermostat
Rob explains: “A good thermostat is essential to heat your home efficiently.”
He suggests checking your existing thermostat or upgrading to a programmable or smart model.
“A programmable thermostat allows you to set heating schedules based on your routine, so you don’t waste energy heating an empty house,” he added.
Smart thermostats go one step further: you can control the temperature in your home remotely and automatically adjust to your habits.
Rob continues: “With the right thermostat you can ensure your home is warm when you need it, without wasting energy.”
Seal drafts and insulate
According to Rob, drafts are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss.
He said: ‘Before winter arrives, check windows, doors and other openings for draughts.
“Sealing these holes can make a noticeable difference in how well your home retains heat.”
Simple solutions such as adding weather stripping, using seals or installing weather stripping can prevent cold air from creeping in.
Rob added: “For a longer-term solution, consider insulating your attic or improving the insulation of your home to reduce heat loss through walls and ceilings.
“Good insulation can make your home much more energy efficient.”
Test your heating system early
“Don’t wait until the first cold snap to find out if your heating system is working,” Rob warns.
He suggests running your heating system now to make sure everything is in order.
He added: “By testing your system early you can identify any problems, whether it’s a noisy radiator or a faulty boiler, and fix them before the cold weather really starts.
“This means you’re less likely to have to deal with the stress and expense of emergency repairs when temperatures drop and you really need the device to run.”