Summer’s the Time to Avoid Winter Emergencies

Why You Should Run Your Heating Now (Yes, Even in August)

When the sun’s shining and the heating’s been off for months, the last thing on your mind is your boiler. But that silence could be costing you more than you think.

At Wells Spa, we often see a spike in boiler breakdowns the moment temperatures drop. The culprit? Lack of use during summer. A few months of inactivity can lead to stuck components, hidden faults and worst of all, last-minute breakdowns just when you need heat most.

Here’s why firing up your heating system briefly during summer is a simple but powerful move.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Boiler in Summer

Boilers, like cars, don’t love being left idle. While turning it off for the warmer months might seem sensible, going cold turkey for too long can lead to problems that only show up when it’s too late.

The most common issue? Seized components

Pumps and valves inside your boiler can seize up when left inactive for too long. By running the system for just 10–15 minutes once a month, you help keep everything moving smoothly.

You’ll spot problems before they snowball

That strange noise or drop in pressure? It’s much better to spot and sort those issues now, when heating engineers are less busy, rather than when demand surges in the colder months.

It helps balance pressure and prevent airlocks

Running the heating helps maintain healthy system pressure and reduces the risk of air getting trapped in radiators and pipework.

What to Do (It’s Easy)

You don’t need to crank the thermostat to 25°C or heat the whole house. Here’s a simple maintenance habit to adopt:

1. Once a month, switch on your central heating system.

2. Leave it running for 10–15 minutes - long enough for the pump, valves and radiators to kick in.

3. Check for any unusual sounds, smells or leaks.

4. Ensure the boiler pressure stays within the normal range (usually 1–1.5 bar).

5. If you have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), turn each one on briefly to keep them free-moving.

This small step takes just minutes but can help avoid major headaches (and bills) later.

A Quick Summer Boiler Checklist

While you’re at it, now’s a great time to:

• Bleed radiators

• Book your annual boiler service

• Check the condensate pipe is clear

• Make sure your carbon monoxide alarm works 

• Clear clutter around your boiler so it’s well ventilated

Don’t Wait for a Cold Snap

It’s far easier and cheaper to prevent problems than to fix them during an emergency. By keeping your heating system ticking over during summer, you’ll improve its reliability and extend its life.

If your boiler hasn’t been looked at in a while, now’s the time to book a summer service. It’s usually quicker to get an appointment, and you’ll head into autumn with peace of mind.

Need advice or want to book a service?

The Wells Spa team is here to help. Get in touch today and let’s make sure your heating’s ready when you need it.