Check five things before turning on your heating

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 11:58 · Archive

DIY expert Georgina Bisby recommends five checks before switching on central heating for winter.

As temperatures drop across the UK, many households are preparing to turn on their heating for the first time since summer. A well-maintained central heating system will keep homes warm and provide best value for money, something increasingly important given rising energy costs.

DIY expert Georgina Bisby has shared five checks to carry out before switching on central heating for winter. The first is to check boiler pressure while the system is cold. For many systems this should be between one and 1.5 bar, though users should check their specific boiler's instructions. If pressure is too low, most boilers can be topped up using the filler loop, the pipe that usually comes from the bottom of the boiler with a small valve that can be adjusted by hand.

The Met Office recommends homes be kept at a minimum temperature of 18 degrees, particularly for those with limited mobility, heart or lung conditions, and people aged 65 and over. UK temperatures are already well below this, with daytime forecasts showing 14 degrees in London and Cardiff, 12 degrees in Manchester, and 11 degrees in Edinburgh and Belfast.

How it is being reported

• 'I'm a DIY expert - make sure to check these 5 things before turning on your heating'As temperatures plummet and the skies turn grey, most people will be thinking about putting their heating on for the first time this autumnDaily Express · 21 Oct, 11:29
• 5 checks to carry out before turning on your heating for the first time this winterHave you put your heating on yet? With temperatures dropping and the record heat of the summer already feeling like a distant memory, it's no surprise many people are thinking about keeping their homes warmThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 11:17

In this story: Georgina Bisby · Met Office · UK · London · Cardiff · Manchester · Edinburgh · Belfast

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