🌞 What To Do With Your Central Heating System During the Summer
As summer arrives and the heating is turned off, most homeowners forget about their central heating system—until autumn rolls around and something’s not working. Taking a few simple steps during the warmer months can prolong your boiler’s lifespan, prevent costly repairs, and improve efficiency come winter.
Here’s exactly what you should do to look after your central heating system during summer:
âś… 1. Run Your Heating Once a Month
Even in summer, it’s wise to turn your heating on for 10–15 minutes every few weeks. This keeps pumps and valves from seizing up while the system is idle.
🔧 Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to do this once a month.
đź’§ 2. Check Your Boiler Pressure
Over time, pressure can drop. If your boiler pressure is below 1 bar, it might not work properly.
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Check the pressure gauge on your boiler.
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If it’s low, follow the manufacturer's instructions to top it up.
🧽 3. Bleed Your Radiators (If Needed)
If some radiators feel cooler than others or make gurgling sounds, air may be trapped inside.
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Turn off the heating
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Use a radiator key to bleed each radiator until water flows steadily
This ensures even heating and reduces strain on your boiler.
🧼 4. Clean Around the Boiler and Radiators
Dust and debris can build up in and around your central heating components. Give them a clean in summer when the system is off to:
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Improve airflow
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Avoid fire risks
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Spot any early signs of rust or leaks
⚠️ 5. Book a Boiler Service in Summer (Not Autumn!)
Most homeowners rush to service their boiler in October—just before cold weather hits. That’s when engineers are busiest.
Instead, book a boiler service in summer to:
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Beat the rush
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Potentially save money with off-season deals
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Ensure your boiler is winter-ready
🧊 6. Switch to “Summer Mode” on Your Boiler (If Available)
Many modern combi boilers have a summer or hot water-only mode, which:
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Turns off central heating
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Keeps hot water on demand
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Saves energy
Check your boiler manual to see if this setting is available.
🧪 7. Check for Leaks or Signs of Corrosion
Summer is the ideal time to inspect:
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Boiler pipes and joints
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Radiators (especially at the bottom)
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The boiler itself (check for rust or dripping)
Catching problems early means you can fix them before winter stress hits the system.
🧠Bonus Tip: Consider a Magnetic Filter or Powerflush
If you’ve had sludge issues or cold spots on radiators, summer is the best time to:
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Install a magnetic filter
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Book a Powerflush to clean the system thoroughly
These steps can improve efficiency and extend the life of your system.
Read our blog for a more in depth description of the advantages of a Powerflush
https://tdpheating.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-a-powerflush-
đźšż Still Using Heating for Hot Water?
If you have a conventional boiler with a hot water cylinder, you may still need the boiler for hot water in summer. In this case:
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Make sure your timer is set correctly
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Use heating only for water, not radiators
🔧 Need Help Preparing Your Central Heating for Summer?
At TDP HEATING SOLUTIONS, we offer summer servicing, maintenance checks, and energy-saving upgrades for homes across HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, ST ALBANS & WATFORD. Our Gas Safe engineers are ready to help keep your system running smoothly all year round.
đź“ž Call now to book your summer boiler service 07989 570 441
🛠️ Or visit our website https://tdpheating.co.uk/