Is Your Boiler Ready for the
The Homeowner’s Mid-Winter Health Check
By Oliver Osmore, Director at Maintracts Services
Winter in London can be unpredictable. One day it’s mild, the next we’re waking up to frost on the windows and a boiler that seems to have a mind of its own. As someone who’s spent years fixing and maintaining boilers across the city, I can tell you that the middle of winter is the time when small issues can become big problems, especially if you haven’t given your heating system a quick check.
That’s why I wanted to put together a simple mid-winter boiler health check you can do yourself, today, without needing any technical expertise. Think of it as a friendly nudge to keep your home warm, your heating running smoothly, and to avoid unexpected emergencies.
1. Is Your Heating Turning On
When It Should?
Start by noticing how your home feels. Do your radiators warm up evenly? Does your boiler respond quickly when you adjust the thermostat?
If you notice delays or uneven heating, it could be a sign your boiler is working harder than it should, or that your system needs a small tweak. Catching these signs early can save you from a sudden breakdown on the coldest morning.
Pro tip: Keep a note on your phone or notepad of any odd behaviour you notice, it makes it easier to explain to an engineer if you do call one.
2. Are Any Radiators Cold or
Lukewarm?
Next, check your radiators room by room. Cold spots can appear for a few reasons – trapped air, imbalance, or low pressure.
If you notice one radiator staying cooler than the others, it’s not a disaster, but it’s worth noting. In many cases, a simple bleed or
small adjustment can fix it.
Quick fix: Only bleed radiators if you’re confident, otherwise, note it down for a professional check.
3. Listen for Unusual Noises
Boilers aren’t completely silent, but banging, whistling, or gurgling noises shouldn’t be ignored.
These sounds often pop up in winter when systems are under extra strain. They don’t always mean a serious problem, but paying attention early can prevent a small annoyance from becoming a larger issue.
4. Take a Quick Look at Boiler Pressure
Your boiler will usually have a pressure gauge — a small dial on the front. For most home systems, the ideal reading is between 1 and 2 bar, but check your manual for specifics.
If it’s too low, your system may struggle to heat the home efficiently. If it’s too high, it could put unnecessary strain on your boiler.
Remember: You don’t need to adjust this yourself if you’re unsure – just take note and call us if it seems out of range.
5. Is Hot Water Running Out Faster Than Usual?
Winter tends to reveal inefficiencies. If your showers or taps aren’t producing hot water like they used to, or the flow seems weaker, it might be a sign your system is under pressure or there’s a small underlying issue.
Even small changes can be a heads-up before a bigger problem occurs.
6. Spot Any Leaks or Damp Patches Nearby?
Finally, give a quick visual check around your boiler and pipework. Any drips, damp patches, or unusual
marks are worth
noting.
Even minor leaks in winter can become more serious if left unchecked, particularly in freezing temperatures.
Common Winter Boiler
Problems I See
From my experience visiting homes in London, some of the most common winter issues include:
● Low pressure after cold snaps
● Boilers cutting out during early mornings
● Systems working harder due to extended heating hours
The good news? Most of these are preventable with a little attention and timely professional check.
A Quick Local Story
Last January, we helped a local family in Clapham who noticed their radiators weren’t warming up properly. They followed a few simple checks themselves and noticed the problem before it became a full breakdown.
By the time we arrived, we were able to fix a small valve issue in under an hour. They avoided losing heat in the middle of a freezing weekend, and they were relieved not to have to endure a day or two without hot water.
Stories like this remind me why these mid-winter health checks are so valuable, a few minutes of attention can prevent a lot of stress.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Boiler Happy
Here are a few simple things I recommend to every homeowner during mid-winter:
● Keep heating steady: Avoid switching it on/off constantly; consistent temperature reduces strain.
● Don’t ignore small changes: If a radiator or tap behaves differently, note it…early detection matters.
● Bleed radiators if confident: It’s a quick fix for cold spots.
● Keep boiler area clear: Make sure vents aren’t blocked and the area is free of clutter.
● Check for drafts: Even a simple draught-proofing can reduce the workload on your heating system.
These are small, practical steps that make a real difference day-to-day.
When to Call in a Professional
Even with careful checks, some issues need a trained eye. I always encourage homeowners not to panic, just call for a professional check if:
● The boiler isn’t heating properly after basic checks
● You spot leaks or unusual noises
● Hot water is inconsistent
Early-year service bookings are actually the perfect time to get a professional in. It’s usually less busy than the mid-winter rush, and it helps prevent emergencies when temperatures drop further.
Checking your boiler doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can:
● Identify early signs of winter issues
● Keep your heating running efficiently
● Reduce the chance of emergency call-outs
● Stay warm and comfortable during the coldest months
Remember, these checks are about awareness and prevention. You don’t need to be an expert, just a little attention can save a lot of hassle.
If you’d like a hand or prefer a professional check, our local Happy Dog engineers are happy to help. We’re here to make sure your home stays warm, safe, and worry-free, without the stress. Call us anytime.
Oliver Osmore has been at the helm of Happy Dog Plumbing since it became part of the Maintracts Services family, bringing with him decades of experience in plumbing, heating, and electrical services. As Managing Director of both companies, Oliver is dedicated to ensuring Happy Dog Plumbing continues its proud tradition of delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to customers.
Oliver’s approachable nature and problem-solving expertise allow him to work closely with customers, offering tailored solutions to even the most complex challenges. He is passionate about upholding the high standards that Happy Dog Plumbing has become known for, ensuring every job is handled with professionalism and care.
Since its founding, Happy Dog Plumbing has been a trusted name in installation, maintenance, and repair services. Under Oliver’s leadership, the company thrives as part of a larger, customer-focused team, staying true to its roots while benefiting from the expanded resources of Maintracts Services.