British Gas is advising homeowners to turn on their boilers for 10 to 15 minutes every few weeks during the autumn, even if it’s not cold enough to require heating.
This simple maintenance step could prevent costly breakdowns, potentially saving customers hundreds of pounds in repair bills.
A spokesperson from British Gas warned that neglecting to run your boiler could lead to expensive problems, with repair costs reaching as much as £350.
“Even though you (hopefully) won’t need your heating during the autumn months, it’s wise to turn on your boiler for 10-15 minutes every few weeks,” they explained.
“This helps prevent the pump and other components from seizing up due to inactivity.”
Alongside running the boiler periodically, British Gas recommends bleeding radiators in the autumn to remove trapped air, which can reduce the efficiency of the heating system.
Air bubbles can cause radiators to feel warm at the bottom but cold at the top, putting added strain on the boiler.
Bleeding radiators ensure they work efficiently and help maintain a healthy boiler system ahead of the winter months.
The warning comes as exclusive figures reveal that up to 5.5 million Brits have no savings as winter approaches.
Research suggests around 13 percent of adults lack a “rainy day fund,” which could leave many households vulnerable to unexpected repair costs or emergencies.
As energy prices rise and budgets tighten, maintaining home appliances like boilers becomes even more critical to avoid potentially crippling repair bills during the colder months.
Following these simple maintenance tips could prevent costly problems and ensure that heating systems are ready to work efficiently when winter arrives.
