As winter approaches on the Costa Blanca, ensuring your central heating system is in top condition is crucial—not just for comfort, but for energy efficiency, safety and longevity. At 100% Plumbing, we understand how vital it is for your system to operate reliably, efficiently and without surprises. Here’s a complete maintenance checklist to help you prepare your heating system for the colder months.
Why Pre‑Winter Maintenance Matters
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A neglected heating system often consumes more energy, resulting in higher bills and reduced system lifespan.
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Systems that sit idle for months are more prone to failure when restarted.
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Safety matters: gas leaks, obstructed ventilation or incorrect pressure can lead to serious issues.
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Preventive maintenance saves money long-term by avoiding costly repairs.
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A professional technician can also identify improvement opportunities—like optimizing thermostats or balancing your system.
What You Can Check Yourself Before Calling in a Professional
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. System Power‑Off & Visual Check | Turn off your system. Look for visible leaks around valves, pipes or the boiler. Keep the area clean and free from flammable materials. | Spotting early damage avoids more expensive repairs later. |
| 2. Check System Pressure | Verify the boiler pressure (typically 1.0–1.5 bar). Adjust if necessary based on manufacturer specs. | Incorrect pressure leads to heating inefficiency or safety valve issues. |
| 3. Bleed Radiators | Use a radiator key to release trapped air from radiators showing cold spots. Recheck pressure afterward. | Ensures even heating and improves efficiency. |
| 4. Test Thermostats & Programmers | Confirm your thermostats and schedules are set correctly for winter. Consider switching to a smart thermostat. | Better control helps reduce energy use and improves comfort. |
What a Technician Should Inspect & Tune
5. Boiler Inspection
A full boiler check includes cleaning the burner, heat exchanger and checking the flue for obstructions. Safety systems like pressure relief valves and overheat sensors must be verified.
6. Cleaning Filters, Ventilation & Ducts
Technicians clean air and water filters, check ventilation routes and ducting. Poor airflow or dirty filters can reduce system performance.
7. Pumps & Circulation Flow
Proper water flow is essential for even heat distribution. Your technician will ensure the circulation pump works efficiently and may test chemical inhibitors in water-based systems.
If your system is connected to your hot water supply, this is also a good opportunity to test its performance or consider upgrades.
8. Safety & Leak Detection
Inspect for gas leaks, worn joints or potential CO hazards. Installing or testing carbon monoxide detectors is essential for combustion systems.
It’s also smart to follow international safety guidelines like EPA’s Legionella control advice for water-based systems.
Efficiency & Cost-Saving Tips
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Use thermostatic radiator valves to control temperature per room.
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Insulate exposed heating pipes to avoid heat loss.
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Program the system to lower the temperature while you’re away or asleep.
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Explore subsidy programs in Spain to replace older units.
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Systems older than 15 years may benefit from a modern replacement.
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Our maintenance contracts ensure regular servicing and peace of mind year-round.
Quick Reference Table for Winter‑Ready System
| Task | Frequency | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Annually | Homeowner |
| Check system pressure | Before heating season | Homeowner |
| Bleed radiators | When needed | Homeowner |
| Test thermostats | Annually | Homeowner or technician |
| Full boiler service | Annually | Technician |
| Clean filters & ducts | Annually | Technician |
| Circulation check | Annually | Technician |
| CO & gas leak check | Annually | Technician |
When to Contact 100% Plumbing
Contact a professional immediately if:
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Your boiler shows frequent errors or shuts down unexpectedly.
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System pressure keeps dropping.
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Radiators heat unevenly or make strange noises.
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You notice corrosion or bulging in pipes.
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There’s any odour of gas or signs of poor ventilation.
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Energy bills have increased with no change in usage.
At 100% Plumbing, we offer expert diagnostics, fast servicing and long-term solutions for central heating systems in English, Spanish and Dutch.
FAQs
Q: How often should my central heating system be serviced?
A: At least once per year—preferably in early autumn before heavy use begins.
Q: How long does a service take?
A: Typically between 1–2 hours, depending on the system and radiator zones.
Q: My system is over 15 years old—is it still worth servicing?
A: While older systems can still function, efficiency drops significantly. A technician can advise whether continued servicing or full replacement is more cost-effective.
Q: How do I know if I need a new boiler?
A: Frequent breakdowns, low efficiency ratings, or missing warranty coverage often indicate it’s time to consider a modern replacement.
Need a heating check before the cold hits? Contact 100% Plumbing for a free quote or book your service visit today. Call +34 96 583 5939 or email info@100percentplumbing.com.
