As winter approaches and colder weather begins to bite, it is essential to ensure your Dorset home is ready to cope with falling temperatures.
Winter puts extra pressure on your heating system, hot water supply, plumbing pipework and even your electrics. Overlooking simple checks now can easily lead to bigger, more expensive repairs at the time of year when you rely on your home the most.
At Joe Newton Electrical, Plumbing & Heating Services, we provide expert support to Dorset homeowners to help them prepare their properties for winter. From boiler servicing and heating upgrades to essential plumbing maintenance and electrical inspections, our aim is to keep your home comfortable, efficient and safe throughout the colder months. In this guide, we cover the key checks every homeowner should complete before winter sets in.
Test Your Central Heating System in Advance
Do not wait until the first freezing night to turn on your heating for the first time. Testing your system early gives you the chance to spot any issues before you rely on it daily. Carry out the following simple checks:
- Turn on your heating for at least 20 minutes to make sure radiators warm up.
- Bleed radiators if you notice cold patches at the top.
- Check for cold areas that may indicate sludge in the system.
- Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly.
- Consider a system power flush if your radiators are slow to heat.
- Ensure your boiler pressure is within the recommended range – between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the heating is off and 1.5-2.0 when the heating is on.
A well-maintained heating system works more efficiently, heats faster and costs less to run over winter.
Book Your Boiler Service Before the Heating Goes on Full-Time
Your boiler is the heart of your home during winter, supplying both heating and hot water. However, breakdowns often happen just when you need it most because the system has been inactive for months. Booking an annual service ensures that your boiler is safe, reliable and ready for the months ahead.
A professional boiler service will:
- Improve efficiency, saving money on your heating bills.
- Prevent carbon monoxide risks.
- Identify worn or faulty parts early.
- Extend the lifespan of your boiler.
- Help prevent unexpected winter breakdowns.
- Keep your manufacturer warranty valid.
If your boiler is older, struggling to heat your home or costing more to run, now is the ideal time to think about replacing it. We supply and install modern, energy-efficient boilers that heat your home faster and are more economical to run. Our friendly engineers are Gas Safe registered and offer professional advice on choosing the best boiler for your property and budget.
Fix Minor Plumbing Problems Before They Get Worse
Small plumbing problems do not disappear on their own. In fact, they often worsen in cold weather. If you have noticed any signs of an issue, it is best to get them checked before winter. Warning signs to look out for include:
- Persistent dripping taps.
- Low water pressure.
- Slow-draining sinks or gurgling noises.
- Radiators that do not fully heat.
- Hot water taking too long to reach taps.
- Noisy pipework.
These are all signs of underlying issues such as air in the system, leaks, limescale build-up or sludge. Early maintenance prevents bigger problems and keeps your heating and plumbing working efficiently.
Prevent Frozen Pipes with Simple Insulation
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to split, leading to serious leaks and water damage. The good news is, with a little preparation, frozen pipes are easy to prevent.
To protect your home:
- Insulate vulnerable pipework in lofts, garages and utility rooms.
- Cover outdoor taps or install a frost-proof tap.
- Keep central heating set to a low temperature during extreme cold.
- Repair dripping taps to prevent water from freezing in exposed pipes.
- Locate your stop tap and make sure it turns off easily in an emergency.
Taking action now can prevent costly repairs later and ensures your water supply is not disrupted.
Electrical Safety Matters in Winter
Electrics are often overlooked in winter preparation, but they play a crucial role in keeping your home safe and warm. Extra strain is placed on electrical systems due to increased heating use, electric fires, tumble dryers, festive lighting and longer hours of artificial lighting.
Before winter, check:
- Your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
- Your consumer unit (fuse board) is modern and safe.
- Plug sockets are not overloaded with extension leads.
- No damaged cables, cracked sockets or exposed wiring are present.
- Outdoor electrical sockets and lighting are weatherproof.
- You have had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within the last ten years.
If in doubt, we offer professional electrical inspections and upgrades for safety and peace of mind.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Print off this simple checklist to make sure your home is fully prepared before winter arrives:
[ ] Annual boiler service booked
[ ] Heating system tested
[ ] Radiators bled
[ ] Boiler pressure checked
[ ] Exposed pipes insulated
[ ] Outdoor taps protected
[ ] Thermostats and timers checked
[ ] Carbon monoxide alarm tested
[ ] Fuse board and electrics inspected
[ ] Any leaks or dripping taps repaired
[ ] Stop tap located and tested
[ ] Loft and lagging checked for heat loss
[ ] Gutters cleared to prevent blockages
[ ] Draughts sealed around doors and windows
Get Your Home Winter-Ready with Professional Help
Preparing your home for winter is the best way to avoid stress, breakdowns and unexpected repair bills. Whether you need boiler servicing, a new boiler installation, heating repairs, plumbing maintenance or electrical safety checks, we are here to help.
- Gas Safe registered heating engineers.
- Fully qualified electricians and plumbers.
- Honest advice and quality workmanship.
- Reliable service from a trusted local business.
If you live in Dorchester or surrounding villages, get in touch for a free consultation and no-obligation quote.
