Don’t wait for Winter, Get Your Heating Sorted Now.

As Autumn draws in, if you haven’t already then now is a good time to get your home’s heating system checked over by a professional. In fact, if you’ve got some form of heating cover, then check your policy as these sometimes include a free annual health check of your homes central heating and hot water systems.

You might think it’s a little early to be thinking about burst pipes, but after a long period of relatively little use during the summer, now is the perfect time to have your home’s heating system checked over.

And if the very worst was discovered and you needed a new boiler, then you’ve a few weeks to get that sorted rather than taking the first one offered because you’re huddled up like Eskimos.

As well as checking the correct burning operation of your boiler, they’ll also inspect flues for blockages. Blockages that could lead to a deathly build up of the colourless, tasteless, odourless carbon monoxide.

And if you’re planning on using additional heating appliances, then these should also be checked – it’s probably a few months past they were stored away in the garage or shed. Check pipe connectors and their seals for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Check ignitors work correctly and safety guards aren’t damaged or loose. Check wiring and plugs for signs of fraying or broken plastic.

And once winter is here, don’t leave any portable heating appliances, whether they be electric, gas or liquid fuelled, on overnight. During the Winter months, house fires caused by heating appliances shoot up in numbers, very often with fatal or near death results for the occupants.

Tips:

• Always use a Corgi registered plumber or heating engineer to check and gas central heating.


• Check the exterior of flues for signs of obvious blockage – bird nests or rubbish piled up around the flu will stop deadly gases escaping.


• Get a carbon monoxide alarm fitted – just like a smoke alarm, they save lives.


• Check your carbon monoxide and smoke alarm batteries regularly.


• If you use wood or coal stoves, have the chimney checked and swept if required.


• Check your home heating cover policy – you may qualify for a free annual inspection!


• Don’t leave it till Winter to discover you need a heating engineer. They’ll be too busy to attend straightaway and you’ll be very cold indeed.


• Check your elderly neighbours OK. A few minutes checking timing clocks and smoke alarm batteries can make all the difference.


• Follow the safety instructions on all portable appliances and never leave them on overnight whilst your asleep.