Winter in South Yorkshire isn’t exactly tropical. When the frost settles in and the heating’s working overtime, your boiler becomes the hardest-working appliance in the house. And like anything that works flat out… it appreciates a little TLC.
The good news? A few simple checks can help prevent breakdowns, keep your home warm, and avoid that dreaded “why is it cold in here?” moment.
Here are our top winter boiler maintenance tips for local homeowners.
1. Keep an Eye on Your Boiler Pressure
Low boiler pressure is one of the most common winter call-outs we attend across South Yorkshire.
Take a quick look at your pressure gauge every now and then. On most systems, it should sit between 1 and 2 bar when cold.
If it keeps dropping, that’s your boiler politely (or not so politely) telling you something isn’t right.
Top tip: Don’t just keep topping it up if it’s repeatedly losing pressure. That’s usually masking a bigger issue. It’s far better to get it checked early than wait for a full breakdown on the coldest day of the year.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
Radiators cold at the top and warm at the bottom? Classic sign of trapped air.
Bleeding your radiators helps:
- Improve heat distribution
- Make rooms warmer, faster
- Reduce strain on your boiler
- Avoid turning the thermostat up unnecessarily
It’s a simple job, but have a cloth ready… it can get a little splashy.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing it, we’re always happy to help.
3. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises
Boilers should hum quietly in the background. They should not sound like:
- A kettle about to take off
- A haunted house
- Someone banging pipes with a spanner
Banging, gurgling, whistling or kettling noises can indicate:
- Air in the system
- Pressure issues
- Limescale build-up
- Components wearing out
Catching these signs early can save you from a much bigger (and more expensive) problem later.
4. Keep the Area Around Your Boiler Clear
We know… that cupboard looks like the perfect place for coats, boxes, and half the Christmas decorations.
But your boiler needs space and airflow to operate safely and efficiently.
Avoid:
- Blocking ventilation
- Storing items tightly around pipework
- Stacking boxes against the boiler casing
It’s not just about performance — it’s about safety too.
5. Book a Professional Boiler Service
DIY checks are great, but nothing replaces a proper annual boiler service.
A professional service ensures:
- Your boiler is running safely
- Efficiency levels are where they should be
- Small faults are identified before winter gets serious
- Manufacturer warranties remain valid
It’s peace of mind when temperatures drop — and when your boiler is working at full stretch.
Want Ongoing Peace of Mind?
If you’d rather not worry about surprise breakdowns, our Cosy Care Plan gives you priority support, annual servicing, and protection when you need it most.
Even better, members can receive up to 10% off future work¹.
It’s designed to keep South Yorkshire homes warm without unexpected repair costs.
Final Thought
A little attention now can make all the difference when winter properly sets in.
If you’d like your boiler checked over, book online at:
Or call us on 0114 248 3011.
DTS Plumbing & Heating — keeping South Yorkshire homes warm all winter long.