Every year, thousands of UK homeowners are caught off guard by the first cold snap. Their boiler hasn’t been serviced, their radiators are cold at the top, and their thermostat is playing up. Don’t let that be you.
Your Winter-Ready Checklist
1. Book Your Annual Boiler Service
This is the single most important thing you can do. A qualified engineer will check your boiler for faults, clean key components, and ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. Book early — engineers get busy from October onwards.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators have cold spots at the top, they likely have trapped air inside. Bleeding them is simple and takes just a few minutes per radiator. You’ll need a radiator key and a cloth to catch any water.
3. Check Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is working correctly and programmed for the season. If you have a smart thermostat, update your heating schedule. If your thermostat is old and unreliable, consider upgrading.
4. Test Your Heating Before You Need It
Turn your heating on for at least an hour before winter arrives. This gives you time to spot any problems — strange noises, uneven heating, or failure to start — while engineers are still available.
5. Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Check that your CO alarm is working and has fresh batteries. If you don’t have one, install one immediately — they cost under £20 and could save your life.
6. Check Your Boiler Pressure
Most combi boilers should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar on the pressure gauge. If it’s too low, you can repressurise it using the filling loop. If it keeps dropping, you may have a leak that needs professional attention.
Don’t Leave It Until It’s Too Late
The best time to prepare for winter is now. Get in touch with British Gas Alliance to book your pre-winter boiler service and make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead.