How to Get Your Central Heating Ready for Winter

There is nothing worse than switching your heating on for the first time in autumn and finding it does not work properly. Cold radiators, strange noises, or a boiler that simply will not fire up — these are all problems that could have been avoided with a bit of preparation.

Here is a practical checklist to get your central heating system in good shape before the cold weather arrives.

Do not wait until you actually need the heating to find out if it works. Turn the system on in late summer or early autumn and run it for a few hours. This lets you spot any problems while engineers are less busy and parts are easier to get hold of.

Listen for unusual noises, check that all radiators are heating up, and make sure the boiler fires up without any error codes or lockouts.

If any of your radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they have air trapped inside. This is very common and easy to fix yourself.

You will need a radiator bleed key (available from any DIY shop for a pound or two). Turn off the heating and let the system cool down. Then:

1. Place a cloth or small container under the bleed valve (usually at the top corner of the radiator)
2. Insert the bleed key and turn it slowly anti-clockwise
3. You will hear a hissing sound as air escapes
4. When water starts to drip out, close the valve
5. Check the boiler pressure afterwards and top it up if needed

Repeat for every radiator that feels cold at the top.

Most combi boilers should have a pressure reading of between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold. If the pressure is below 1 bar, the boiler may not fire up properly.

You can usually top up the pressure yourself using the filling loop — a small flexible hose connected to the boiler. Check your boiler manual for instructions, or give us a call if you are unsure.

If the pressure keeps dropping, it could indicate a leak somewhere in the system. That is something to get checked by an engineer.

Make sure your thermostat is working correctly and set to a sensible temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, check that the schedule is set up for the coming season.

If your thermostat is old or not working reliably, it might be worth upgrading to a smart thermostat. These can save a significant amount on energy bills by giving you much more precise control over when and how your heating runs.

If multiple radiators are cold at the bottom rather than the top, the problem is likely sludge — a build-up of rust and debris that circulates through the system over time. This reduces efficiency and can eventually damage your boiler.

The solution is a power flush — a process where a specialist machine pumps cleaning solution through the entire system at high pressure to remove the sludge. PROTEC Plumbing carries out power flushes across Ipswich and Suffolk.

If you have any exposed pipes in unheated areas — a garage, loft, or outside wall — make sure they are properly insulated before the cold weather arrives. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage.

Foam pipe lagging is inexpensive and straightforward to fit yourself.

If your boiler has not been serviced in the last 12 months, now is the time to book it in. An annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer keeps your boiler running safely and efficiently, and is usually required to keep your warranty valid.

Autumn is the ideal time — engineers are less busy than in winter, and you will have peace of mind that your system is ready for the cold months ahead.

In the event of a burst pipe or serious leak, you need to be able to turn off your water supply quickly. Make sure you know where your stopcock is (usually under the kitchen sink) and that it turns freely. If it is stiff or seized, get it sorted now rather than in an emergency.

PROTEC Plumbing provides boiler servicing, power flushing, radiator work and full central heating installations across Ipswich and Suffolk. If you would like us to check over your system before winter, give us a call on 01473 561159 or get in touch via our contact form.

A small amount of preparation now can save you a lot of trouble — and expense — when the temperature drops.