Households across the UK are being urged to check their boilers and bleed radiators before turning on central heating for the first time in months. The advice comes as temperatures are set to drop to as low as 12C overnight in northern areas like Liverpool and Newcastle by next Friday, following a period of intense heat.
Why the checks matter now
After a summer marked by five consecutive heatwaves and little rain, the UK is experiencing cooler, more unsettled weather. Just days after temperatures reached 38C, overnight lows could fall to 13C next week. While many can delay using heating—especially with the Ofgem price cap set to rise again—some in draughty homes or with medical needs may need to turn it on sooner.
However, after months without use, central heating systems require key maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. A yearly boiler service is essential, as failing to do so risks voiding the warranty and can lead to inefficient operation, wasting energy and money.
Bleeding radiators before use
Households are also advised to bleed radiators to release trapped air, allowing water to flow freely and making radiators hotter and more effective. A radiator key or Allen key is needed, available for around £1 at most DIY stores.
Guidance from boiler firm Worcester Bosch recommends servicing boilers in summer, noting engineers are less busy and appointments easier to secure. The firm advises: "Getting your boiler serviced in the summer is normally the best time of year, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, engineers are far less busy in the warmer months because there are far fewer breakdowns. With people using their boilers less, it means you can get an appointment easier and any spares/repairs are likely to be easier to sort out. Secondly, you get ahead of the game for when it is time to turn your heating on. Trying to get an appointment at the beginning of winter, when everybody else is doing the same, can mean that you’re a little colder than usual, for a little longer than normal."
Only Gas Safe Registered Engineers or OFTEC Registered Engineers (for oil boilers) are qualified to carry out a gas boiler service, according to the guidance.
