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Check Your Boiler is Ready for Winter

7 Checks to Make Before You Turn the Heating Back On

The mornings are getting cooler, the evenings are drawing in and, winter is just around the corner.

If your boiler has spent most of the summer providing hot water, now is the perfect time to check your boiler is ready for winter.

A few simple checks can help you spot early problems. After all, nobody wants to discover a boiler problem on the coldest night of the year.

Here are seven things 1st Time Fix recommend checking before winter arrives.

1. Turn your heating on before you need it

Don’t wait until you’re freezing to find out whether your heating works.

Turn it on for 20–30 minutes and check that the boiler starts as expected.

Give your radiators time to warm up. Then walk around your home to check each one heats up properly.

If the boiler makes unusual noises, displays a fault code or fails to start, don’t ignore it.

2. Check your boiler pressure (combi & system boilers only)

Low boiler pressure can prevent your central heating from working properly.

For many systems, the pressure should read between 1 to 1.5 bar when cold. However, always check your manufacturer’s guidance.

If the pressure is too low, your heating may not work properly.

Occasionally topping up the pressure doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious problem. However, regular pressure loss could indicate a leak or another system problem.

Our advice: If your boiler pressure keeps on dropping, arrange an inspection rather than keep on topping it up.

3. Check your radiators for cold spots

Are your radiators heating evenly?

Once your radiators have been running for a while, carefully check each radiator for cold spots.

Different cold spots can indicate different problems:

  • Cold at the top: trapped air may be preventing the radiator from heating up correctly
  • Cold at the bottom: can be a build-up of sludge or debris preventing water circulation
  • Completely cold radiator: A faulty value or another circulation issue may be responsible
Trapped air can sometimes be resolves by bleeding the radiators. However, persistent cold spots may need professional attention.

Addressing these problems early can help your heating system work more effectively throughout the winter.

4. Test your thermostat heating controls

Your thermostat controls when your heating switches on and off. So, it’s worth checking that everything works as expected.

Turn up the temperature and check whether your boiler responds. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat review your schedules too. You might still have last year’s settings saved.

Autumn is a good opportunity to set your heating around the times you’re at home.

5. Don’t ignore strange noises

Your boiler may make some noises during normal operation. However, new or unusual sounds shouldn’t be ignored.

Keep a listen out for:

  • Banging or knocking
  • Whistling
  • Gurgling
  • Excessive vibrating
These noises can have several causes, including trapped air, circulation problems or fault components.

6. Test your carbon monoxide alarm

When did you last check your carbon monoxide alarm?

It’s easy to forget about this small but important safety device.

Press the test button and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it is working correctly.

You should also check the expiry date. Carbon monoxide alarms have an lifespan and need replacing when they reach the end of their service life.

If you don’t currently have one, now is a good time to get one fitted.

Remember: Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. An alarm is an important safety measure, but doesn’t replace regular boiler servicing.

If your alarm sounds, follow its emergency instructions. Leave the property, seek fresh air and contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 if you suspect a gas appliance is responsible.

7. Check when your boiler was last serviced

Can you remember when your boiler was last serviced? If not, now is a good time to check.

An annual boiler service helps keep your heating system safe, reliable and working efficiently.

During a service, a qualified engineer can inspect your boiler,  check its operational and identify potential problems.

Regular servicing can also help maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, depending on its condition.

Booking a boiler service in Wolverhampton before the coldest weather arrives could help you avoid any unexpected winter breakdowns.

At 1st Time Fix, our Gas Safe registered engineers provide professional boiler servicing across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and surrounding areas.

Get your heating winter-ready with 1st Time Fix

A little preparation now could save you a lot of  hassle later.

Testing your heating, checking your radiators and keeping up with boiler servicing can help you prepare for colder months.

And, if something doesn’t seem right? Don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem.

Our experience heating engineers can help with boiler servicing, repairs and ongoing heating maintenance.

Book your boiler service today from just £102 + VAT.

Take the worry out of winter with a Boiler Care Plan

Want to stay on top of your boiler maintenance without the hassle of remembering to book a service?

Our Care Plan Packages start from just £12.99 per month. With annual servicing, priority callouts and additional benefits depending on your plan, you can enjoy extra peace of mind throughout the year.

November offer: Save 15% fir the first 6 months!

Join any 1st Time Fix Care Plan Package during November 2026 and receive 15% off your first 6 months.

Simply mention our November offer when you call to sign up.

Call our friendly team today:
01902 918 185/07534 511 262

Whether you need an annual boiler service, a heating repair or ongoing boiler cover, we’re here to help.

November promotion applies to new Care Plan sing-ups during November 2026 and can only be redeem over the phone. Terms and conditions apply.

FAQs

How often should I have my boiler serviced?

We recommended that a gas boiler is serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your boiler is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, you should also check its conditions, as regular servicing may be required.

When is the best time to service a boiler?

You can have your boiler serviced at any time of year. However, late summer and early autumn can be a particularly convenient time because you can make sure everything is working properly before you start relying heavily on your heating.

Why does my boiler pressure keep dropping?

There are several possible reasons for recurring pressure loss, including a leak somewhere in the heating system or an issue with a boiler component. If you regularly have to repressure your boiler, it’s worth having the cause investigated.

Should I turn my heating on before winter?

Yes. Running your heating before you actually need it is an easy way to identify problems with the boiler, thermostat or radiators while the weather is still mild.

Can 1st Time Fix service my boiler in Wolverhampton?

Yes. 1st Time Fix provides boiler and heating services in Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas. Contact the team to arrange a service or discuss your heating system.