As the temperature drops, the colder weather rolls in, and the leaves start to fall, it's the perfect time to start thinking about preparing our homes for winter. One of the most crucial components of any home's heating system is our radiators. 

With the colder weather fast approaching, it's essential to ensure that your radiators are winter-ready by checking they are leak-free and that your radiators have been recently bled to ensure they are in working order to help cut energy usage this winter.

We’ve put together a guide containing everything you need to know about how you can prepare your radiators for the winter season.

There are many things you can do to help prepare your radiators for the colder months that will ensure that your radiators are ready to keep you and your family warm and cosy all winter long.

Your radiators might be prone to springing a leak, which is considered one of the most significant issues you could face in winter. Not only can it take your radiators out of commission, but a leak that has gone unnoticed can also damage furniture or your flooring, sometimes to the point where you need to fork out to replace them.

Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for signs that could indicate that there is a problem with your heating system, such as hissing, gurgling or knocking sounds. Puddles of water and even a loss or pressure in your boiler could be a sign your radiators might be leaking.

When you come to adjust the valves of your radiators in the winter, and you notice that your radiators are not changing to the set temperature or you feel no resistance when turning the valve, it might be a sign that you need to check your thermostatic radiator valves.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can be prone to getting stuck in the on or off position, especially if they've been in one place for a long time - e.g. over the summer when your radiators are hardly used.

You can check your TRVs and turn them occasionally, and keeping them moving will help ensure that your valves do not get stuck - even in summer.

It is also important to make sure your thermostatic valves are compatible with your boiler; otherwise - you risk them not working correctly. If in doubt, always seek the advice of a certified professional.

Apart from your radiators, it is equally just as important to turn your attention to the bigger elements – such as your boiler and water tank.

There are some hot water cylinders that can last up to 30 years, but once they reach around 10 years old, it's good to routinely inspect them so you can catch any issues early.

If you notice that your water is cloudy, discoloured, or smells unpleasant, check your water tank for any rust or sediment that may have built up inside. It is recommended to regularly flush the system to help prevent build-up and help your system save you unnecessary costly repairs.

In the instance your hot water cylinder leaks or does not have enough hot water for your home, It is advised that you should look and inspect the valves, such as the pressure-release valve, to ensure it's working correctly. Additionally, it's wise to also check the thermostat as this may also not be working correctly. If in doubt, call a qualified plumber - they know exactly what to look out for and can help you identify the first signs of valve damage or failure.

Nobody wants to deal with boiler issues - even less so when the colder months roll in.

When it's finally time to switch on your boiler for the first time in the winter, and you notice your boiler is slow to heat or that you find visible water pooling near it, or if it doesn't even sound right when in use - it might be high time to give your boiler a once over.

It might be that your boiler may have been installed incorrectly, the connections are loose, or even that there is too much pressure in the system. It could also be that the pipework has corroded, but it's important to arrange for a registered gas-safe engineer to come and inspect your boiler every year.

Additionally, you can check the visible pipework to see if you can spot any signs of corrosion – and regularly make a note of your boiler's pressure.

Don't let the cold weather catch you off guard…

By following our guidance, you can make sure that your heating system is running efficiently and effectively throughout when the colder months roll in.

Take the time to prepare your radiators with City Plumbing. We stock a vast range of central heating radiators, towel rails, and electric and oil-filled radiators - so you can keep warm and enjoy a cosy home all winter. 

If you require further assistance, contact our heating experts or visit your local city plumbing branch.

Author: Alexis Webster