Test the boiler in autumn

It’s easy to forget about your boiler in the summer. Turn the heating on for 15 - 20 minutes in the autumn to check everything is working correctly and your radiators are all warming up.

If your boiler doesn’t come on, the first thing to do is to check the pressure (see below).

If you find radiators aren’t warming up, it might be because of air in the system. This step by step guide by British Gas shows how you how to bleed a radiator. Remember after bleeding the radiators you might need to re-pressurise the system.

Check the pressure

If there's a problem with your boiler it could be because of low pressure.

Most boilers run best at around 1 to 1.5 bar, and you can check this via the gauge on the front of your boiler unit. If the pressure is too low your boiler might not work. It might also cost more to heat your home and may damage the boiler long-term.

You don’t need a professional to fix this. For more information look at your boiler’s manual or click here.

Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm?

The most important thing you can do to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure that your gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

If you rent your home this is the responsibility of your landlord. If you own your home and are on the Priority Services Register you could get this checked by your energy company for free.

Carbon monoxide alarms are an alert for a possible carbon monoxide leak. They work like your fire or smoke alarm by sounding an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide – which is a colourless, odourless and tasteless poisonous gas. For more information visit Gas Safe Register.

Deal with draughts

This is one of the cheapest and most effective ways of keeping out the cold and saving money. 

By blocking any gaps, you prevent heat from escaping while keeping cold air out. The Energy Saving Trust have a helpful guide that explains more about draught-proofing and how it can help you save money and stay warmer.