As we enjoy the final few weeks of summer sunshine, central heating is likely the very last thing on your mind. However, at the Energy Advice Helpline, we know from experience that August is actually the “golden window” for home energy maintenance. Every year, we see the same pattern emerge: the first cold snap hits in October, everyone across the UK turns their heating on at the same time, and thousands of older boilers seize up or fail completely.
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When this happens, heating engineers become incredibly busy almost overnight. Waiting times for repairs can skyrocket from a few days to a few weeks, leaving families shivering without heat or hot water just when they need it most. By checking your system now, while the weather is still mild, you stay ahead of the rush and ensure you aren’t left out in the cold.
The 15-Minute Test Right now, your boiler has likely been dormant for months. When you switch it back on after a long break, the sudden pressure can often cause older systems to struggle. We recommend running your heating for just 15 minutes this week. You are looking for three specific things:
- Pressure: Is the gauge stable? It should usually be between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold.
- Radiators: Do they warm up evenly? Check for cold spots at the top (air) or bottom (sludge).
- Sounds: Are there any banging, whistling, or gurgling noises that weren’t there before?
The Grant Opportunity There is another vital reason to check your system now. If your boiler is over 10 years old and showing signs of failure, you might be eligible for a replacement before the deep cold sets in. Through the government’s ECO4 scheme, low-income households and those on specific benefits can access funding for new, A-rated boilers. This isn’t a loan you have to pay back; it is a grant designed to help you lower your bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Don’t wait until your pipes are freezing to find out your heating doesn’t work. A quick check now could save you hundreds of pounds in emergency call-out fees later.
