Keeping your central heating system in good condition isn’t just about turning the thermostat up when it gets cold. Regular cleaning and maintenance help ensure peak performance, greater energy efficiency, fewer breakdowns and lower repair costs over time. For homeowners looking to maximise comfort and minimise bills, a simple annual schedule of cleaning and routine checks can make all the difference.
Below is a straightforward month-by-month guide to caring for your heating system, helping you plan out the year with confidence.
Spring (March–May): End of season deep clean
As you finish the winter heating season, early spring is the ideal time to carry out a thorough clean and inspection of your system. After months of running, radiators and pipework can accumulate sludge, limescale, corrosion products and debris which reduce efficiency and may lead to cold spots or circulation problems. Removing these internal deposits improves water flow and ensures radiators heat evenly throughout the next season. Using a concentrated cleaner specifically designed to dissolve these build-ups will restore circulation without damaging components.
Once the system has been flushed and rinsed, you can add a long-term protection product to keep corrosion and scale at bay until heating starts again next autumn. Measuring the level of protective inhibitor using dedicated test strips will help you maintain optimal water quality.
Summer (June–August): Light checks and storage
During summer, your heating system may be switched off but this doesn’t mean it should be ignored entirely. Monthly checks are advisable to ensure there is no unexpected loss of pressure or potential leaks that could damage components or waste water. If your system has filters or sediment traps fitted, this is also a good time to clean or replace them before autumn workloads begin.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure corrosion protection levels remain adequate. Test them now and top-up if necessary. This simple check will prevent internal corrosion and help systems start smoothly when needed. Regular passive care now means less work later.
Autumn (September–October): Pre-season preparation
Late summer and early autumn are the most important months for preparing your heating system for the upcoming season. Now’s the time to fully restart the system and check every component before cold weather hits. Begin by bleeding radiators to remove any trapped air which can cause inefficient heating. Next, focus on full system flushing, if needed, to clear out any residue that may have formed since spring.
Following this clean, restore corrosion and scale protection so the system is fully safeguarded. Ensuring the water chemistry is balanced at this point will reduce wear throughout the winter, saving money and reducing the risk of noisy or poorly performing radiators.
Winter (November–February): Monitoring and mid-season checkups
Once the heating season begins, the priority shifts to ongoing system monitoring. Check boiler pressures and thermostat settings, listen for unusual noises and make sure radiators heat consistently. Avoid major cleaning during peak usage as this can stress the system; instead, address small issues quickly and plan any larger maintenance for the post-season period.
A mid-season review can be particularly useful if you notice cold spots or pressure drops. Catching these early can prevent larger problems in the heart of winter.
