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Heating and central heating

Turning the Heating On for Winter: A Checklist

Firing up the heating for the first time after summer is when many faults show up. A quick check in early autumn saves a cold surprise later.

3 min read · Updated October 2026

Window with autumn leaves above a radiator, a radiator bleed key and a ticked checklist

Do a test run early

Turn the heating on for an hour or so in September or early October, before you really need it. That way any faults can be fixed before engineers get busy with winter breakdowns.

Your checklist

While it's running:

  • Check every radiator heats fully – bleed any that are cold at the top
  • Check the boiler pressure is in the normal range on a sealed system
  • Open any radiator valves you turned off over summer
  • Set the programmer and thermostat for winter routines
  • Listen for unusual noises from the boiler or pipes
  • Check your carbon monoxide alarm is working

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Book a service

If your boiler hasn't been serviced in the past year, book one now. Late summer and early autumn are good times to get an appointment.

Common questions

Why do radiators need bleeding after summer?

Air can collect in the system while it's idle.

Should I run the heating in summer?

Some engineers suggest running it briefly every few weeks to keep the pump and valves moving.

When should I book a boiler service?

Late summer or early autumn, before the busy season.

Keep reading

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Most combi and system boilers run on a sealed, pressurised system. The gauge on the front tells you whether the pressure is where it should be.

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Boiler servicing explained

An annual boiler service keeps your heating safe, efficient and reliable – and often keeps the manufacturer's warranty valid. Here's what to expect.

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