Winter Heating Tips

Preparing Your Heating System for Winter

Winter is when your boiler works hardest, and many homeowners see their energy bills spike by 30-50%. But with a few simple adjustments and regular maintenance, you can stay warm without breaking the bank. The key is preparing your system before winter arrives and then maintaining it throughout the cold months. Here are our top tips for winter heating efficiency, based on 16 years of experience keeping Hampshire homes warm.

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1. Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter

The worst time for your boiler to break down is during a cold snap, when you need heating most and emergency repair costs are highest. Regular servicing ensures your system is running efficiently and safely. A professional service also cleans internal components, helping your boiler operate at peak efficiency. Don't wait until January—book your service now in September or October when engineers have more availability and costs are lower. A well-serviced boiler will heat your home more effectively and cost less to run throughout winter.

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2. Bleed Your Radiators

Over time, air gets trapped in your radiator system, preventing hot water from circulating properly. Radiators that are cold at the top but warm at the bottom are signs of trapped air. Bleeding your radiators (opening the bleed valve to release air) is a simple job that improves heating efficiency throughout your home. You'll need a radiator bleed key, which costs just a few pounds. Start with the radiators furthest from the boiler and work your way back. You'll hear a hissing sound as air escapes—that's working. When water starts flowing, close the valve. This simple task can make a noticeable difference to your heating efficiency and comfort.

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3. Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Set your thermostat to 18-21°C - a comfortable temperature that doesn't waste energy. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. Also, consider a programmable thermostat that adjusts temperature based on when you're home, away, or sleeping. You don't need full heating when you're out or asleep. Modern smart thermostats learn your routine and adjust automatically, saving money without sacrificing comfort. If you're still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable model is one of the quickest wins for winter savings.

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4. Insulate Your Pipes

Exposed heating pipes lose heat as water travels from your boiler to radiators. Wrapping pipes with foam insulation reduces heat loss and improves efficiency. This is a cheap, easy upgrade that pays dividends. Foam pipe insulation is available from any DIY store and takes minutes to install. Focus on pipes in unheated spaces like lofts, basements, and external walls where heat loss is greatest. You'll notice faster hot water delivery to distant radiators and more efficient boiler operation.

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5. Check Your Boiler Pressure

Your boiler should operate at 1-1.5 bar pressure. If pressure is too low, your boiler won't heat efficiently and may stop working entirely. You can usually check this on the boiler's pressure gauge. If pressure is consistently low, contact a Gas Safe engineer. Low pressure often indicates a small leak in the system, which needs professional attention. Checking pressure monthly during winter is a simple way to catch problems early.

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6. Ensure Good Ventilation

Whilst insulating your home is important, ensure your boiler has adequate ventilation. Blocked vents can lead to carbon monoxide problems. Never seal airbricks or vents without professional advice. Carbon monoxide is deadly - ensure your home has working CO detectors, especially during winter when boilers run constantly. A Gas Safe engineer can advise on proper ventilation requirements during your annual service.

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7. Consider a Service Plan

Our Bronze, Silver, and Gold service plans include annual servicing and safety checks, plus discounts on repairs. In winter, when emergencies are more likely, having 24-hour emergency cover (Silver or Gold) gives peace of mind. You won't be at the mercy of emergency call-out charges when your boiler fails on a freezing night. Many customers find service plans pay for themselves through labour discounts alone, plus the security of knowing help is just a phone call away.

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8. Don't Ignore Leaks

A small leak in your heating system means water and energy are escaping. If you notice puddles beneath your boiler or pipes, contact us immediately. What seems minor today can become expensive tomorrow. A small leak may require just a simple repair now, but if left, it can damage your boiler's internal components, necessitating expensive repairs or replacement. Regular inspection during your annual service catches these issues early.

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Bonus Tip: Bleed Your System

If your boiler has lost pressure or you've noticed cold radiators, your system may need bleeding. This means releasing air that's accumulated in the pipes. Unlike bleeding individual radiators, system bleeding should be done by a Gas Safe engineer to avoid introducing air or contaminants.

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With proper servicing, sensible thermostat use, and simple maintenance checks, you can keep your home warm and comfortable whilst reducing your winter heating bills. If you'd like professional advice on improving your heating efficiency, Mike at MBW Plumbing & Heating is ready to help. Our service plans offer peace of mind and savings, making winter less stressful and more affordable.