The Christmas season is when most of us spend more time at home, use more hot water, and turn the heating on for longer. It’s also when boilers work their hardest. With cold weather outside and family gatherings inside, a little preparation goes a long way to keep everything running smoothly.
No one wants a boiler breakdown over the holidays, so here’s how to make sure your central heating system stays reliable, energy efficient, and ready for whatever winter brings.
Staying warm without wasting energy
The best place to start is with efficiency. A well-maintained heating system uses less energy to heat your home and keeps costs down when the energy cap is ever-increasing.
If you haven’t had your annual boiler service, get it booked in before the rush. An annual service by a Gas Safe heating engineer helps prevent breakdowns, improves performance, and keeps your boiler and your warranty in good shape. Whether you have a traditional or combi boiler, it’s the simplest way to keep everything running safely and efficiently.
Once that’s sorted, you should still check for issues yourself every so often. Trapped air in radiators, for example, are a common cause of cold spots and wasted energy. If the tops feel cooler than the bottoms, it’s time to bleed your radiators. It only takes a few minutes and helps the water to circulate properly.
A quick check of your boiler’s pressure can also make a big difference. The gauge should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold. If it’s lower, you may need to top it up using the filling loop, but if the pressure keeps dropping, get an engineer to take a look.
These small checks can optimise your heating, improve comfort, and save you money in the long run.
Smart ways to manage your heating
Heating controls have come a long way, and using them well can make a noticeable difference.
Smart thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) let you manage the temperature in each room, so you’re not wasting energy heating empty spaces.
If you’ve got a smart meter, check how much energy you’re using and adjust your heating schedule around your household’s routine. Reducing your thermostat by even one degree can lower energy costs by 10% over a year, and most people won’t notice the difference. It’ll also reduce wear on the boiler.
Spotting early warning signs
Boilers usually give small hints before something goes wrong. If you hear strange noises like banging, gurgling or whistling, or notice that your radiators are taking longer to heat up, it’s worth paying attention. These are often signs of trapped air, limescale build-up, or worn parts.
It’s the same with any unusual smells or drops in water temperature: get them checked before they turn into bigger problems. Fixing small issues early is always cheaper and less stressful than dealing with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of the holidays.
And if your boiler shows an error message you don’t recognise, switch it off and call a professional. Every DHS engineer is Gas Safe registered and experienced in finding faults quickly and safely, so if you end up in a pinch, book a repair visit with our local team. We’ve been helping households across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset stay warm for over 40 years.
Keeping the heat balanced
Warmth is about balance, not just temperature. Some rooms naturally lose heat faster, especially those with large windows or external walls.
Make sure furniture isn’t blocking radiators and that valves are set appropriately for how each space is used. If you’ve fitted TRVs, you can keep bedrooms slightly cooler while keeping living areas cosy.
Running your heating for short periods at a steady temperature is more efficient than turning it on and off for long bursts. In other words, keep your home at a comfortable baseline rather than reheating from cold every few hours.
If you’re hosting guests, remember that extra people (and cooking!) can raise the indoor temperature more than you might think, so you may be able to turn the thermostat down slightly.
Preventing heat loss around the home
Even the most efficient boiler struggles if heat is escaping faster than it is produced. Simple steps like closing curtains at dusk, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and using draught excluders can make your home feel warmer straight away. In fact, around 18% of heat loss is through windows, and 3% through doors.
You’ll also want to make sure any external pipes and hot water cylinders are insulated. It’s an easy DIY job that protects against freezing temperatures and helps your system retain heat for longer.
If you’re going away over Christmas, don’t turn the heating off completely. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature or use a frost protection mode. This keeps water moving through the pipes and prevents them from freezing while you’re not home.
These are small, practical steps, but they can help you save energy and prevent problems before they start.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with the best preparation, problems can still happen. Knowing what to do can save you time and worry.
If you’ve got no heating or hot water, check that the thermostat and timer are set correctly, and make sure the boiler display isn’t showing an error code.
Keep an eye out for leaks or damp patches near the boiler or pipes. Even a small drip can cause pressure loss over time. If you spot one, turn the system off and contact an engineer straight away.
Finally, step outside and check that your boiler’s flue is clear from debris, like leaves or snow. A blocked flue can stop your boiler from working safely.
Final thoughts
The holidays are time for you to switch off, not your boiler. A few simple checks and a little planning can keep your heating running smoothly right through Christmas and into 2026.
From annual boiler servicing and efficiency checks to emergency repairs, DHS is here to help keep your home warm, safe and comfortable. If your heating system needs attention, or you’d like advice on getting your boiler serviced before the new year, get in touch with our friendly local team today.
