Making Sure Your Heating Is Working Perfectly Now Winter Has Arrived

Winter has finally arrived after a very mild autumn and the drop in temperature has definitely been a shock to the system. As we all start to hibernate for the winter there is no doubt that our heating systems will get more use. I know our central heating is on now more than ever to keep our home warm and cosy.

To make sure you get the best out of your central heating during the winter months, and it heats your home in a cost effective way, there are number of things that you can do around the home. Here are a few suggestions that will keep you warm and cosy through the long winter months.

1. Window and door seals

On all windows and doors in your home, if they are double glazed they will have rubber seals. When we moved into and bought our first home in the summer, we had to totally renovate it from top to bottom. Of course being summertime we didn’t need to use the heating to warm up our home. But it was a perfect opportunity to check all the seals on the doors and windows. This is important because through the winter worn out or seals that have perished will need replacing to make sure no heat is lost through the windows or doors during the winter months.

2. Gas boiler service

To make sure your heating system is working to optimum levels it is very important to have it serviced once a year and if any new parts are required then it pays in the long run for your heating costs. Also, very importantly a service of your gas boiler will make sure it is safe.

This is also a good opportunity to find out if your heating system is a balanced system and in particular the radiators are working properly. A balanced heating system will warm your home at exactly the same time meaning there are no cold rooms or areas in your home.

3. Balancing Radiators

Balancing radiators is so important so that you are getting the best cost effective heating system and you are warming your home perfectly.

A common fault you will find when your radiators are not properly balanced is a blockage in the pipes. If you have thermostatic radiator valves (these are where you can adjust the amount of heat to a particular radiator) you need to ensure they are set to the same value because having different values on the radiators in different rooms will cause an unbalanced heating system.

4. Bleeding The Radiators

This is something that you can possibly do yourself, but if you are unsure then call in a qualified heating engineer. Your gas boiler has to supply hot water to many parts of your home such as kitchen sink, shower and of course the radiators and only one small pump will do this. If there is a blockage in one of the radiators then this will cause an unbalanced heating system. So firstly it’s important to get the radiators working properly so you warm your home but also for heating costs because if you have a blockage then your gas boiler is working harder and that will increase your energy costs.

So there are a few tips to make your home warm and cosy for the winter. Do you do anything to help make your home warmer for the winter? I would love to hear in the comments below.