As well as pondering when is the right time to turn the heating on again, it is also wise to consider your safety before firing up your heating again and these expert tips can help
As the evenings draw in and winter starts to make its presence felt with a nip in the air, many people will be considering turning on their heating for the first time.
But as well as considering when is the right time to turn the heating on again, it is also wise to thnik about your safety before firing up your heating again.
Experts are urging people to carry out a few simple checks to avoid breakdowns, harmful emissions, and costly repairs this autumn.
Taking time to do a bit of prep before firing up the boiler can make the difference between a smooth start and a costly breakdown. So to ensure your home avoids common problems and the heating runs smoothly, there are four tips recommended by experts from Dunphy Combustion.
READ MORE: High street chain reveals ‘great sadness’ as it confirms another store closingREAD MORE: OVO Energy offering customers financial support – all you need to know
- Warm up the system gradually. Instead of going straight to full power it is recommended running the heating on a lower setting initially as sudden demand after months of disuse can strain pumps, valves, and radiators, leading to costly breakdowns.
- Ensure flues and ventilation points are clear of obstructions. This is because blockages can trap harmful gases inside the house and increase the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide exposure.
- Now is also a good time to test or replace your carbon monoxide alarms. Many alarms run flat and a working alarm is often the only warning you’ll have of a leak of this odourless and invisible gas.
- Book a professional service with a qualified heating engieneer. Getting a professional to check over your system will help spot faults early, reduce emissions and ensure safe operation.
These checks are important because during the summer months, when the heating is not in use, debris and even blockages can build up unnoticed. Then when a cold snap hits and you close the windows and turn on the heating, there is a risk of costly failures or even carbon monoxide exposure.
Google searches for “heating won’t come on” jump by over 750% between August and the autumn months showing many households struggling with their heating systems. Safety is also a concern, with estimations from Gas Safe Register that 1 in 6 UK homes has an unsafe gas appliance, while NHS and ONS figures confirm that hundreds of people are hospitalised with carbon monoxide poisoning each year – many mistaking the symptoms for flu or other seasonal illnesses.
James Kuligowski, Business Development Manager at Dunphy Combustion based in Greater Manchester, said that skipping a service before switch-on is one of the most common and potentially dangerous mistakes people make.
“Every autumn, when heating systems are first used again, there is a rise in problems linked to poor maintenance,” said Kuligowski. “Blocked flues, unventilated rooms and neglected servicing don’t just reduce efficiency – they can create serious safety concerns.
“A short service visit before firing up the heating is the single most important step households and businesses can take. People were also warned to check for yellow flames, unusual smells or banging noises from their boiler and to call in a pro if any of these occur.
“Heating systems are designed to keep us safe and comfortable, but they need regular maintenance to do so,” Kuligowski explained.
“A little preparation in autumn can prevent breakdowns, reduce emissions, and provide peace of mind before the coldest weather sets in.”