As temperatures begin to cool, homeowners are being urged to test their central heating systems before they are needed daily. Running the heating for 10 to 15 minutes is enough to identify whether the system is working normally, according to Ryan McNicholl, plumbing expert at boiler spares provider Spares Direct.
Why test your heating now
Radiators have been idle over the summer, and problems that were invisible during warmer months can become apparent once the system is used again. If a fault is found, repairs can cost up to £380 depending on the extent of the work required.
McNicholl said: “Most people leave the heating alone all summer and don't think about it again until they actually need it. It's better to find out now that something isn't working properly than on the first freezing morning of the year.”
What to check during the test
Homeowners should turn the thermostat up and check all radiators throughout the home, listening carefully for banging or gurgling sounds and touching each radiator to ensure it is heating evenly. The boiler pressure gauge should sit around 1 to 1.5 bars, although homeowners should always check the manufacturer's instructions for their specific model.
McNicholl advised: “If the pressure is unusually low, check your boiler manual before trying to top it up. If the pressure keeps dropping after you've corrected it, or you're seeing other faults at the same time, get a qualified heating engineer to inspect it rather than repeatedly repressurising the system.”
Benefits of an early check
A short test gives homeowners time to arrange a service or repair before engineers become busier during colder weather. McNicholl explained: “If a radiator stays cold, the boiler keeps cutting out, or you notice the pressure has suddenly dropped, it's much easier to deal with that now while you're not relying on the heating every day.”
