The short version
- Run the heating for an hour in early autumn to surface faults early
- Bleed radiators and check pressure before the cold arrives
- Protect or insulate the external condensate pipe ahead of frost
- Book the annual service before the October to December rush
The September test run
Turn the heating on for an hour and walk round. You're looking for radiators that stay cold, unfamiliar noises, a pressure gauge that moves oddly, and any smell or leak around the boiler. Anything you find now is a booked appointment rather than an emergency.
The quick checklist
Fifteen minutes of work that prevents most cold-snap failures.
- Bleed radiators, then re-check system pressure
- Free any TRV pins that have seized over summer
- Check the external condensate pipe is lagged and clear
- Test the thermostat and replace its batteries
- Check the boiler's outside flue terminal isn't obstructed
- Test carbon monoxide alarms
Book the service early
Service slots get scarce once the weather turns, and so do engineers when everyone's boiler fails at once. Booking in late summer or early autumn means you choose the appointment rather than waiting for one.
Common questions
When's the best time to service a boiler?+
Late summer or early autumn — before the seasonal rush and before you depend on the heating.
My heating worked fine last winter — do I still need a service?+
Yes. Servicing is preventative and it's a warranty condition on most modern boilers.
What if I find a fault during the test run?+
Book it in — an autumn appointment is far easier to get than a December one.
Should I leave the heating on low all winter?+
For frost protection during very cold spells, a low setting can help. We'll advise for your system and controls.
Beat the winter rush
Book your annual service now while appointments are easy to get.