How to check your central heating so there's no shock to the system
MUIR Group Housing Association is requesting that residents check their central heating systems as the colder weather approaches.
Central heating systems in many homes may have remained switched off during the summer and Muir is keen to ensure residents don’t feel the cold when radiators are turned back on for what could be the first time in several months.
So to avoid an unwelcome shock to the system, Muir is advising residents not to leave testing their central heating until the cold really does begin to bite, and are being encouraged to take a small amount of time to do it now.
Mike Proudfoot, Muir’s Maintenance Manager (pictured) said: “It is approaching that time of year when many people will start to feel the cold and so we want to make sure everything is in working order before that happens.
“People can check their central heating system is working simply by turning the thermostat up to 30 degrees and switching it on.
“They can ensure their radiators are heating up in each room simply by turning each one up and touching them after four or five minutes.
“Should you not feel heat coming through, ensure that each radiator is fully turned on.
“If any of them are still not working, then please call us on 0300 123 1222 so we can help.
“Once residents have checked their heating, they should feel free to turn the thermostat and the radiators back down to their previous settings until they are ready to use them again.”
Residents are also being reminded of where their stop taps are ahead of the winter months.
Mike says they are usually found underneath the sink in the kitchen, or near the bottom of a wall in the bathroom or downstairs toilet.
However, he is reminding residents who may have had new kitchens or bathrooms fitted that they now have ‘stop switches’ that can be pressed should they be needed.
They are identified easily as they are blue in colour.
“We want people to feel comfortable throughout the winter period so checking heating now, as well as reminding residents where their stop taps are, will give us chance to resolve any issues before the colder weather sets in,” Mike said.