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TEST your gas central heating as colder weather approaches, to make sure it’s ready for winter.

You may have switched your central heating system off during the summer, but we’re keen to ensure they’re all in working order before colder weather kicks in.

You can learn how to do this, and get a few tips on how to make your home 'winter ready' below.

 

 

Here’s how to test your gas central heating now

·         Check your central heating is working simply by turning the thermostat up to 30 degrees and switching it on.

·         Turn the radiator in each room up, then touch them after four or five minutes.

·         If you don’t feel any heat coming from them, ensure each radiator is fully turned up.

·         If any still aren’t working, see our quick self-help videos here: www.muir.org.uk/self-help-video-support or call us on 0300 123 1222.

·         Once you’ve checked your central heating works, you can turn the thermostat and radiators back to their previous settings until you need it again.

 

Remember where your stop tap is

Stop taps control the water flow into your home. They’re usually found underneath the sink in the kitchen, or near the bottom of a wall in the bathroom or downstairs toilet.

Anyone who has had a new kitchen or bathroom fitted will have blue ‘stop switches’ that can be pressed if needed.

 

Here’s some great tips on ways to get your home ‘winter ready’

·         Stopping draughts
Stopping draughts around windows and doors can make a huge difference to the temperature in your home. Insulating tape around windows and doors is easy to install. You can also use draught excluders.

·         Close curtains…
Lots of warmth can leave your home through windows. Close curtains in the evening or when you’re not in the house to keep heat inside. You can also buy thermal curtain liners.

·         Cover bare flooring…
Wooden and tiled floors can be cold to touch, and gaps between wooden floorboards can let in draughts. Put down a rug to help keep your rooms warm.

·         My perfect temperature…
Most people set their heating thermostat between 18°C and 21°C. If you have it higher, you could save money by turning it down.