There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of your boiler breaking during the coldest months of the year. If you’ve experienced a winter boiler breakdown this year, you’re not alone and more importantly, you don’t have to go through it again.

At HeatGlow, Cardiff’s trusted boiler and heating specialists, we’ve seen it all when it comes to winter breakdowns. The good news is that most of them are preventable. So let’s talk about how to keep your boiler running all year round.

Why Do Boilers Break Down in Winter?

After sitting relatively idle through spring and summer, your boiler suddenly has to work overtime when temperatures drop. The sudden increase in demand exposes any underlying issues that have been unnoticed. Add in cold weather that can freeze condensate pipes and you’ve got a boiler breakdown.

The Secret: Summer Servicing

Did you know the best time to service your boiler isn’t when it breaks down in December, it’s during the summer months. Think of it like servicing your car before a long journey, not after it’s broken down on the motorway.

A summer boiler service ensures your heating system is ready for when you need it most. Our Gas Safe registered engineers thoroughly check all components, clean essential parts and identify potential issues before they become expensive winter emergencies. The ideal time is usually July or August or anytime before you switch your heating back on in September.

What Happens During a Service?

During a standard service, we’ll inspect and test all major components, check for wear or damage, clean crucial parts, test safety devices including carbon monoxide detection, examine flue and ventilation systems and assess overall performance. This thorough approach means we catch small issues before they become big problems. That strange noise we’ll investigate. That slight pressure drop? We’ll find out why. Find out more about our servicing packages.

The Real Cost of Skipping Your Service

A boiler service costs between £99 and £120. But skipping it could cost you an emergency call-out fee of £90 plus repair costs running into hundreds, lost time from work, potential property damage, voided warranty on newer boilers, higher energy bills and the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Simple Maintenance Tips

Between services, you can help keep your boiler happy by bleeding radiators if they’re cold at the top, checking boiler pressure regularly (it should sit between 1 and 2 bar when cold), keeping the area around your boiler clear, insulating your condensate pipe in winter and listening for unusual noises. If you notice anything concerning, give us a call, it’s always cheaper to fix a small issue than deal with a complete breakdown.

Time for a Replacement?

If your boiler is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs, makes unusual noises or your energy bills keep rising, it might be time to consider a replacement. As a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer, we offer extended warranties of up to 10 years plus flexible finance options. Modern boilers are far more efficient, meaning lower energy bills that help offset the replacement cost.

Don’t Wait for Next Winter

If you’ve been through a winter boiler breakdown, you’re now in the perfect position to prevent it happening again. Now is the ideal time to get your boiler serviced and join our HeatShield service plan. As a Which? Trusted Trader and Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer, we’re Cardiff locals who genuinely care about keeping our community warm and safe.

Don’t let another winter catch you off guard. Contact Heatglow today to book your summer service or discuss joining our HeatShield plan. Because the best time to fix a winter breakdown is before it happens.

Find out more about our servicing plans or contact us to book an appointment: