Preparing your home for the heating season doesn't have to be a major renovation. With a few small, smart adjustments, you can significantly increase your comfort and save on your energy bills immediately.

Don't have the time, skills, or the right tools amidst your busy work week and family life? A handy Superhelper can take care of these practical autumn chores for you in no time.

Did you know?

A central heating system with air trapped inside or low water pressure uses up to 10% to 15% more gas to heat your home. At average energy rates, that quickly adds up to €100 to €150 per heating season wasted. Bleeding and topping up your system pays for itself immediately!

1. Bleeding radiators for efficient heating

Do you hear a ticking or bubbling sound when the heating turns on? Or does the top of your radiator stay cold while the bottom gets warm? That means there is air in the pipes. This not only prevents rooms from heating properly but also makes your boiler work harder than necessary.

• The solution: bleed the radiators using a special radiator key. Start with the lowest radiator in the house and work your way up. As soon as water instead of air comes out of the valve, tighten the key again.
• How the Superhelper helps: bleeding radiators requires precision and a cloth to prevent splashes on the wall or floor. The Superhelper checks all radiators in your home, ensuring the entire system heats quietly and evenly again.

2. Topping up the boiler and checking water pressure

After bleeding the radiators, the water pressure in the central heating system often drops. Is the pressure below 1.5 bar? Then the system won't work optimally, or the boiler may even shut down due to an error.

• The solution: top up the boiler via the fill valve. Connect the filling hose to the water supply, bleed the hose briefly to avoid introducing new air into the system, and fill until the pressure is between 1.5 and 2.0 bar.
• How the Superhelper helps: many people find working with valves, hoses, and pressure gauges near the boiler daunting or simply a hassle. A Beep for Help handyman will expertly connect the hose, check the pressure, and leave your utility room tidy.

Pro-tip from our handyman:

• Never open the radiator key too far! One or two turns is plenty. If the valve falls out completely, the water pressure will spray directly onto your hands.
• Let the boiler cool down first. Turn off the thermostat at least half an hour before bleeding. Otherwise, you'll just pump air bubbles through the system and burn your fingers on the hot water.

3. Installing draft strips on doors and window frames

Nothing ruins a cozy home feeling like a cold breeze against your ankles. Old or worn gaps around the front door, back door, and window frames let precious heat escape and pull cold air inside.

• The solution: apply draft strips where you feel the cold coming in. Installing a brush strip under the front door also makes a world of difference in the hallway.
• How the Superhelper helps: cutting strips to size, degreasing the surface, and attaching them straight requires time and patience. The Superhelper will tackle all your gaps at once, keeping the cold outside.

4. Installing radiator foil behind exterior walls

Do you have radiators positioned against an uninsulated or poorly insulated exterior wall? If so, a large portion of the radiant heat is escaping directly outside through the wall.

• The solution: apply radiator foil to the back of the radiator or to the wall behind it. The foil reflects the heat directly back into your living room.
• How the Superhelper helps: because radiators are often mounted close to the wall, measuring and installing foil can be a fiddly job. Using the right magnets or tape, the Superhelper installs it discreetly and invisibly.

Peace of mind, warmth in your home

Preparing your home for winter is easy to overlook in a busy household. But by outsourcing tasks like bleeding radiators, topping up your central heating, and installing weatherstripping to a reliable handyman, you kill two birds with one stone: a warm, cozy home and a lower energy bill, without sacrificing any of your weekend time.  

And don't forget your parents or in-laws! They often keep the heating a bit higher, but bleeding radiators or topping up the boiler can be physically difficult. A Superhelper can get their home winter-ready in a single visit, giving you one less thing to worry about as a caregiver.  

Want to enjoy a warm, draft-free home this autumn without the hassle? Easily book a Superhelper via Beep for Help and get your heating season chores checked off professionally!