This week is all about getting your heating ready before you actually need it.

There’s nothing worse than switching your heating on during the first cold spell only to discover a radiator isn’t working, your boiler needs attention or your thermostat isn’t behaving as expected. Spending just a little time checking your heating system now can help keep your home warm, improve efficiency and reduce the chance of unexpected problems later in the year.

Why should you prepare your heating before autumn?

Many people wait until temperatures drop before turning their heating on for the first time. Unfortunately, that’s also when heating engineers become busiest and small problems quickly become inconvenient.

Preparing your heating system now can help you:

• Heat your home more efficiently.
• Reduce wasted energy.
• Lower your energy bills.
• Spot small issues before they become expensive repairs.
• Feel confident your home will stay warm when colder weather arrives.

1. Bleed your radiators

If your radiators feel cold at the top but warm at the bottom, they may have trapped air inside.

Bleeding your radiators removes this trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate properly and helping your heating system work more efficiently.

It’s a simple job that only takes a few minutes but can make a noticeable difference to how well your radiators heat your home.

2. Move furniture away from radiators

It might seem obvious, but sofas, curtains and large pieces of furniture can block heat from circulating around a room.

If possible:

• Move sofas slightly away from radiators.
• Avoid drying clothes directly over radiators.
• Keep long curtains from covering them.
• Make sure radiators have space for warm air to circulate.
• Give them a dust!

Even creating a little extra space can help heat reach the rest of the room more effectively.

3. Check your heating controls

Your thermostat and heating controls play a big part in how efficiently your heating system operates.

Take a few minutes to:

• Check that your thermostat is working correctly.
• Review your heating schedule.
• Replace batteries if your thermostat needs them.
• Make sure timers are set correctly before the weather turns colder.

A well-programmed heating system can help keep your home comfortable without using more energy than necessary.

4. Book a boiler service if needed

If you have an oil boiler and it’s due its annual service, now is a good time to book it.

Engineers are always very busy on Arran even before the autumn and winter arrive, so arranging a service early can help ensure your heating system is ready before you rely on it every day.

Regular servicing also helps identify potential issues before they become more serious and can keep your boiler operating safely and efficiently.

Small checks now can make a big difference

Preparing your heating doesn’t need to take long, but it could save you time, money and stress later in the year.

This week, why not spend just 20 minutes to:

• Bleed your radiators.
• Move furniture away from heat sources, and give them a quick dust.
• Check your heating controls.
• Book a boiler service if it’s due.

Future you will be grateful when the first chilly morning arrives.

Need impartial energy advice?

If you’re unsure whether your heating system is working efficiently, or you’d like advice on reducing your energy bills this winter, Arran Eco Savvy offers free, impartial energy advice for households across Arran. Plus check out our Sustainable Directory, packed full of guidance and advice.

Whether you have questions about heating controls, insulation, renewable heating or grants and support, our Energy Team is here to help.

Email: Sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk to book a free one-to-one energy advice appointment.