Households across the UK are being urged to switch their heating on for just 15 minutes this October. The simple test could potentially uncover boiler issues before they turn into an expensive winter breakdown.
Why October is the ideal time for a heating check
Experts are recommending that homeowners should check their boilers and heating systems before temperatures fall, particularly where heating has been switched off over summer, to avoid discovering a fault when it is needed most during the colder months.
Recent engineer estimates suggest faults involving components such as circulating pumps or diverter valves can cost around £180 to £380 to repair or replace, depending on the boiler and the work required.
Ryan McNicholl, plumbing expert at Spares Direct, says October is the ideal time to give your heating system a short test rather than waiting for the first cold week.
“Most people leave the heating alone all summer and don't think about it again until they actually need it,” he says. “It's better to find out now that something isn't working properly than on the first freezing morning of the year. Running the heating for 10 or 15 minutes is enough to give you a good idea of whether the system is behaving normally.”
What to check during the 15-minute test
Ryan recommends turning the thermostat up temporarily so the heating comes on, then checking the boiler and radiators while the system runs.
During the test, look for:
- Radiators warming evenly
- Unusual banging or gurgling
- Boiler pressure staying normal
- Heating controls responding properly
“Boiler pressure should usually sit around 1 to 1.5 bar, although homeowners should always check the manufacturer's instructions for their specific model,” says Ryan.
“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.”
Why problems can appear after summer
“Central heating components can spend months doing very little during warmer weather. When the heating is switched back on, problems with pumps, valves or controls that were not obvious during summer can suddenly become noticeable,” Ryan explains.
“A short test also gives homeowners time to arrange a service or repair before engineers become busier during colder weather.”
Don't ignore pressure changes
Homeowners should also take a quick look at the boiler's pressure gauge while carrying out the test.
“If the pressure is unusually low, check your boiler manual before trying to top it up,” says Ryan.
“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.”
