Get Ready Before Cold Weather Arrives
Winter places significant demand on heating systems. Conducting these checks in autumn ensures your boiler and home remain warm and efficient when temperatures drop. A little preparation now can prevent a costly breakdown in the middle of January.
Boiler and Heating System Checks September – November
- Book your annual boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Test the heating system by turning it on briefly — ensure it fires up smoothly
- Check the boiler pressure gauge — pressure should sit at 1 to 1.5 bar when cold
- Bleed radiators to release trapped air; check all radiators heat evenly from top to bottom
- Test your carbon monoxide alarm by pressing the test button
- Inspect visible pipes for leaks, corrosion, or damage, or any green spots on the floor (which could indicate a leak)
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes in lofts, airing cupboards, and under sinks
- Insulate the boiler's condensate pipe to prevent freezing
- Test your thermostat by setting it to minimum — the boiler should switch off
Home Structure Checks
- Check the roof and gutters for damage; clear gutters of leaves and debris
- Inspect windows and doors for damaged seals
- Locate and test your water stopcock to ensure you can access it in an emergency
Draught-Proofing Tasks
- Apply weatherstripping around windows and external doors
- Fit draught excluders under doors and at letterboxes
- Hang thick, lined curtains on external walls
- Use draught excluder tape on poorly fitting windows
Insulation Checks
- Check loft insulation depth — the ideal is 250 to 270 millimetres
- Inspect cavity wall insulation if your property has cavities
- Consider external or internal wall insulation for solid-walled properties
Be Prepared
- Keep emergency contact numbers (engineer, supplier, gas emergency 0800 111 999) visible on your boiler
- Ensure a working torch and spare batteries are accessible
- Consider keeping a portable electric heater available for emergency use
If You Smell Gas
If you smell LPG (like rotten eggs), turn off your gas supply immediately, evacuate everyone from the building, and do not use any lights or naked flames. Call the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
Modern boilers have a condensate pipe (usually plastic) that removes moisture. In extreme cold this pipe can freeze, causing the boiler to lock out. If it is accessible and clearly frozen, carefully pour warm (not boiling) water over the frozen section. If you are uncertain, call a Gas Safe engineer.
📊 See How Winter Affects Your Costs
Our calculator factors in seasonal patterns — use it to understand what your bills will look like over winter and across the full year.
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