Why You Should Run Your Heating Briefly During the Summer

Most homeowners do not think about their central heating system during the summer. The heating is off, the weather is warmer, and the boiler is mainly being used for hot water.

However, leaving your heating system untouched for months can sometimes lead to problems when you need it again.

One simple habit could help: turn your heating on for 10–15 minutes every few weeks during the summer.

It may feel strange to run the heating when it is warm outside, but this quick check can help keep key parts of your heating system moving and reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown on the first cold day of the year.

Why running your heating in summer helps

Your heating system has moving parts. Pumps, motorised valves and diverter valves are designed to move water around your heating and hot water system.

When the heating is not in use for long periods, these parts can sit idle for weeks or months. Over time, this can sometimes cause them to stick, block or seize.

By briefly turning the heating on, you help circulate water through the system and encourage these parts to move.

Think of it like moving a door hinge, tap or valve now and again. If something is left untouched for too long, it is more likely to stick when you finally need it.

Common first cold day boiler problems

At The GHS Group, some of the most common call-outs we see on the first cold day of the year are:

• Seized heating pumps
• Sticking diverter valves
• Motorised valves are not moving correctly
• Radiators not heating as expected
• Boiler faults appear once the heating is finally switched back on

A seized pump or a sticking diverter valve can leave you with no heating, poor hot water performance, or even a cold shower.

These issues often appear when the heating has not been used for months and is suddenly asked to work again.

How often should you turn your heating on in summer?

A simple routine is enough for most homes.

Turn your heating on for around 10–15 minutes every few weeks during the warmer months. You do not need to heat the house. The aim is to get the system running and keep the moving parts active.

Once the system has run briefly, you can turn it back off again.

What should you check while the heating is running?

While the heating is on, it is worth doing a few quick checks:

• Are the radiators starting to warm up?
• Is the boiler running normally?
• Are there any unusual noises from the boiler, pump or airing cupboard?
• Are any fault codes showing?
• Is the system pressure at the correct level?
• Are there any visible leaks around radiators, pipework or valves?

If something does not seem right, it is better to find out in summer than when the first cold spell arrives, and heating engineers are at their busiest.

A small habit that could save a costly repair

Running your heating briefly during summer does not guarantee you will avoid every fault, but it can help reduce the risk of certain avoidable problems.

A few minutes every few weeks could help prevent seized components, reduce the chance of an inconvenient breakdown and give you time to deal with any issues before winter.

It is a simple homeowner check that costs very little but could save you from an expensive boiler repair later.

When should you call a heating engineer?

You should contact a qualified heating engineer if:

• Your boiler shows a fault code
• The heating does not come on
• Radiators stay cold
• The pump is noisy or appears stuck
• You have no hot water
• The boiler pressure keeps dropping
• You notice leaks around the system
• You are unsure whether the system is working safely

Do not ignore small signs of a problem. Heating faults are usually easier to deal with before the winter rush begins.

Book your boiler service before winter.

Summer is also a good time to book your boiler service. Waiting until the first cold day often leads to longer wait times, as many homeowners discover heating problems at the same time.

A proper boiler service before winter can help check safety, performance and condition before your system starts working harder again.

Final thought

Your heating system may be out of sight during summer, but it should not be completely forgotten.

Turning your heating on for 10–15 minutes every few weeks is a simple way to help keep pumps and valves moving. It could reduce the risk of a seized pump, a stuck diverter valve, expensive repair or a cold shower when the weather turns.

For boiler servicing, repairs and heating support, contact The GHS Group on 01329 285993.