29/09/2025
From ignored cold spots to garden debris blocking vents, some simple September slip-ups are costing you hundreds of pounds on winter bills.
Most of us only think about our boiler when the weather turns icy.
September is the perfect time to do a few quick checks.
Small issues you ignore now can mean higher bills and expensive call-outs in January.
Bleed and check pressure:
One of the simplest and most overlooked small tasks is bleeding radiators.
Trapped air means radiators don’t heat properly from top to bottom.
That forces the boiler to run longer to reach the same temperature.
Start bleeding from the radiator furthest from the boiler and work your way back.
System pressure is just as vital. Aim for around 1–1.5 bar when cold.
If boiler pressure is low, top it up now rather than risk a winter breakdown.
Book the annual service:
Another big mistake is skipping the boiler service.
An annual service typically costs around £85 and makes sure the boiler’s tuned, safety-checked and running efficiently before it’s working flat out in winter.
It’s one of the cheapest ways to save money and avoid a mid-winter emergency repair that can cost hundreds.
Don’t ignore cold spots or outdoor pipes:
Radiators that are cold at the top usually mean trapped air, while cold at the bottom suggests sludge build-up. Either way, your system’s wasting energy.
Outside, look at the flue and condensate pipe.
Flues near the ground can get clogged with cobwebs or garden debris, which affects combustion and can even make the system unsafe.
A frozen or sagging condensate pipe is one of the top reasons boilers lock out in winter.
Run a test cycle:
Finally, don’t leave the heating completely off until it’s freezing. Complete a test cycle now.
We advise to run short test cycles in autumn.
It keeps pumps and valves moving and gives you time to fix problems before the cold sets in. Emergency repairs in January are far pricier than sorting an issue now.