As summer starts to wind down, heating your home might not be at the top of your to-do list just yet. But before the colder weather arrives, it can be worth giving your home and heating system a little attention.
A few simple checks now could help you spot potential issues early and make sure your home is ready when temperatures begin to drop.
Here are five things worth checking before your heating goes back on.
Don’t wait for the first cold evening of the year to find out that something isn’t working properly.
Turn your heating on for a short period and check that the system starts as expected. Look out for unusual noises, warning messages or anything else that doesn’t seem quite right.
If you have radiators, check that they’re heating evenly. Cold areas can sometimes indicate that they need bleeding or that there may be another issue with the system.
Finding a problem now gives you more time to get it looked at before you really need your heating.
1. Give Your Heating a Test Run
If you have a heat pump, it’s worth checking your system pressure before the heating season begins.
Low system pressure can prevent your heat pump from operating correctly and may result in an E8 fault on some systems.
If the pressure looks lower than it should be, don’t ignore it and wait for the heating to stop working.
Already seeing an E8 fault? We’ve created a simple video showing you how to resolve it.
2. Check Your System Pressure
Getting your schedule right can also help you avoid heating your home unnecessarily while still keeping it comfortable when you need it.
It’s also a good time to check that your heating controls are set up correctly for the colder months.
Take a look at your thermostat, timers and heating schedule. If you’ve changed or switched off schedules during the summer, make sure everything is set correctly before you need your heating regularly again.
If you have an EPH heating control, we’ve created a step-by-step video showing you how to set up your heating schedule.
3. Check Your Heating Controls & Schedule
There are a few simple checks you can carry out yourself before winter.
If you have an outdoor heat pump unit, check around it and make sure airflow isn’t being restricted. Remove any obvious leaves, vegetation or debris that may have accumulated around the unit, and make sure the area surrounding it is clear.
You can also visually check your system for anything unusual, such as warning messages or obvious signs of damage.
Alongside the checks you can do yourself, your heating system should also be regularly professionally serviced.
For heat pumps, regular servicing can help identify potential problems, check key components and make sure the system continues to operate as intended. It’s much better to identify an issue before winter than when your heating is working its hardest.
4. Give Your Heating System a Quick Check
Your heating system can be working properly, but if that heat isn’t able to circulate around your home effectively, you could still be wasting energy.
Start with your radiators. Try to avoid placing large pieces of furniture directly in front of them or covering them with curtains, as this can restrict the movement of warm air into the room.
It’s also worth looking at the property itself. Check for noticeable draughts around doors and windows and consider whether areas such as your loft or walls could benefit from improved insulation.
Reducing unnecessary heat loss means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
5. Make Sure You're Not Wasting the Heat You're Producing
You don’t need to wait until it’s freezing outside to start thinking about your heating.
Taking a little time to check everything before temperatures drop could help you identify problems early and head into winter knowing your heating system is ready when you need it.
A Few Checks Now Could Save a Problem Later
Interested in making your home more energy efficient?
From heat pumps and solar panels to battery storage, discover how Menai can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
