Prepare Your Heating System for Winter: Tips, Tricks, & Products

As the days grow shorter, temperatures dip, and the radiator becomes your new best friend, ensuring your heating system is ready for the winter months becomes a top priority. A well-maintained heating system keeps your home warm and comfortable, helps you avoid costly repairs, and reduces energy bills.

Key components like heating water circulating pumps, expansion vessels and pressurisation units are crucial for maintaining system efficiency and reliability. If you’re unfamiliar with these components, we’ve got you covered. For a basic overview, start with our easy-to-understand guides on Pressurisation Units 101 and Potable Expansion Vessels 101.

However, this blog will fully explore these critical parts and highlight our top product picks to help you get winter-ready.

Understanding Your Central Heating System - Anatomical Examples.

A well-functioning central heating system is crucial for maintaining comfort in your home during the colder months - Of which we have many in the UK (aside from the random nuclear month once a year). It is a complex interconnected network of components that provides consistent and efficient heating. Understanding the roles of these components is key to ensuring that your system operates effectively and identifying potential issues before they become significant problems.

Using anatomical examples, let’s break down the main components of a central heating system and explain how they contribute to keeping your home warm and safe:

1. Boilers: The Lungs of the System

Whilst we don't actually sell boilers, they're integral to your heating system - Boilers Exchange heat with the environment, warming your home like lungs oxygenate the blood - The boiler is your heating system's central component and powerhouse. It is responsible for heating the water circulating throughout your home's pipes and radiators, providing warmth.

How Boilers Work: Boilers burn fuel—most commonly natural gas, oil, or electricity—to heat water. Depending on your heating setup, the boiler pushes this hot water to be circulated through pipes to radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water cylinders. There are different types of boilers, including combi boilers, system boilers, and conventional boilers, each with its own set of advantages:
- Combi Boilers: Compact units that provide both heating and hot water on demand without needing a separate water tank.
- System Boilers: Require a hot water cylinder but no cold water tank, making them a good option for homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Conventional Boilers: Often found in older homes, these require both a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank and are suitable for homes where a lot of hot water is needed simultaneously.
Importance of Regular Maintenance: Regular boiler servicing is essential to maintaining efficiency and safety. A well-maintained boiler will run more efficiently, consume less energy, and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, a serious safety hazard.

(We don't actually sell boilers)

2. Pumps: The Heart of the System

Circulating the water throughout the system, just as the heart pumps blood - Heating water circulating pumps are critical to the operation of your central heating system. These pumps ensure that hot water generated by the boiler flows through the system efficiently and reaches all the radiators in the heating circuit.

Functionality of Circulating Pumps: These pumps create a pressure differential that moves heated water from the boiler through the heating pipes and into the radiators or underfloor heating systems. They help maintain a steady flow, ensuring that all parts of your home, office, or school building are evenly heated.

- Types of Pumps: There are single-speed pumps and variable-speed pumps. Variable-speed pumps, such as the Lowara ecocirc XLplus D 40-120F, adjust their speed based on the system's demand, making them more energy-efficient.
Common Issues and Maintenance: If a pump is not working correctly, you might notice that some radiators are cold while others are hot, or your boiler is constantly turning on and off. Regular checks can help detect early signs of wear or failure, such as unusual noises, leaks, or reduced efficiency. In some cases, air trapped in the system can cause the pump to malfunction; this is where components like the Flamco Flexvent Super 1/2 Automatic Air Vent become crucial.

Lowara Ecocirc XLplus D 40-120F Circulator Pump - Twin Head
Special Price £2,478.07 £2,065.06 Regular Price £4,214.40 £3,512.00

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3. Expansion Vessels: The Arteries of the System

Absorbing pressure changes and maintaining steady pressure, like arteries regulating blood pressure and ensuring smooth blood flow, Expansion vessels are vital safety components in your central heating system. They help to manage the natural expansion and contraction of water as it heats and cools, which prevents excess pressure from building up in the system.

How Expansion Vessels Work: As water is heated by the boiler, it expands and increases in volume. Without an expansion vessel, this increase in volume would create excess pressure within the heating system, potentially leading to burst pipes or leaks. The expansion vessel provides a cushion for this increased pressure.
- Structure of Expansion Vessels: An expansion vessel typically consists of two internal compartments separated by a flexible diaphragm. One side is connected to the heating system and filled with water, while the other contains compressed air. As the water heats up and expands, the diaphragm compresses the air, allowing the system to accommodate the increased volume of water without a dangerous pressure rise.
- Choosing the Right Expansion Vessel: The size of the expansion vessel you need depends on the size of your heating system. For larger systems, a vessel like the Flamco Flexcon 200 Litre Expansion Vessel may be required, while smaller systems might only need a 12 or 18 Litre Expansion Vessel. If you're not sure which size of heating expansion vessel you need for your system, please contact our sales team who can talk you through your options.

*Maintenance Tip

Regularly check the pressure in your expansion vessel. If the pressure is too high or too low, it may indicate a problem with the vessel or the system. Over time, the diaphragm within the vessel can degrade, reducing its effectiveness and will require replacement.

Grundfos GT-HR 1000 Litre Expansion Vessel - 6 Bar
Special Price £3,000.66 £2,500.55 Regular Price £4,616.40 £3,847.00

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Grundfos GT-HR 800 Litre Expansion Vessel - 6 Bar
Special Price £2,412.54 £2,010.45 Regular Price £3,711.60 £3,093.00

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4. Additional Components: Ensuring System Efficiency and Safety

Beyond boilers, pumps, and expansion vessels, several other components play important roles in the efficiency and safety of your heating system:

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): These valves could be seen as the nervous system of your heating system. Much like nerves respond to stimuli and control various body parts, these valves allow you to control the temperature of individual radiators, providing better overall control of the heating system and potentially reducing energy costs.
Automatic Air Vents: Just like pores release excess sweat and oils to prevent blockages in your skin, automatic air vents release trapped air from the heating system. This ensures that water flows smoothly without obstructions, like how open pores help keep the skin healthy by preventing clogs. Automatic air vents, such as the Flamco Flexvent Super 1/2, help remove trapped air, ensuring the system operates smoothly and efficiently.
Pipework: The pipes in your heating system could be compared to your blood vessels, veins, and arteries, which transport your blood (heated water) throughout the body. Just as the blood vessels carry blood around the system, the pipes distribute hot water to radiators and other areas to provide warmth.
Insulation: The insulation around the pipes could still be compared to the skin, which protects the body, prevents heat loss, and ensures the system's efficient functioning, much like how skin helps maintain body temperature. Proper pipe insulation reduces heat loss and prevents pipes from freezing during extremely cold weather, which could cause significant damage.

Understanding how these components work together is key to maintaining an efficient heating system. Many light commercial and larger applications require a pressurisation unit to ensure a heating system remains functional. For a more detailed exploration of how pressurisation units operate within your system, our Pressurisation Units 101 article is a great resource to consult.

Key Components to Focus On for Winter Preparation

Let's focus on a few key components to prepare your heating system for winter.

Here's a closer look at why these parts are crucial and what you should consider when preparing for the colder months.

1. Water Circulating Pumps for Heating Systems

Heating water circulating pumps keep your heating system running smoothly by ensuring consistent water flow. These pumps are especially important in the winter when your system is under more strain. Choosing the right pump can make all the difference:

Efficiency and Energy Savings: Modern pumps, like the Grundfos UPS3 15-50/65 130, or the durable Lowara ecocirc XLplus D 40-120F, help to reduce your energy bills during peak usage times.

According to UK energy policies, upgrading to a modern energy-efficient pump can reduce household heating bills by up to 20%.

Lowara Ecocirc XLplus D 40-120F Circulator Pump - Twin Head
Special Price £2,478.07 £2,065.06 Regular Price £4,214.40 £3,512.00

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Grundfos UPS3 15-50/65 (130) Circulating Pump
Special Price £167.88 £139.90 Regular Price £498.00 £415.00

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2. Heating Expansion Vessels

Expansion vessels are crucial for managing the pressure within your heating system as the water expands and contracts with temperature changes. Selecting the right expansion vessel ensures your system operates safely and efficiently:

Size and Capacity: Depending on your system size, you may need a larger vessel like the Flamco Flexcon 200 Litre Expansion Vessel to handle greater water volumes.

Quality and Maintenance: Choosing a high-quality vessel like the Flamco Flexcon Premium 12-Litre Expansion Vessel helps maintain system stability and reduces the risk of leaks.

Flamco Flexcon 200 Litre Expansion Vessel - 6 bar
Special Price £539.63 £449.69 Regular Price £770.89 £642.41

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Flamco Flexcon Premium 12 Litre Expansion Vessel
Special Price £83.52 £69.60 Regular Price £104.40 £87.00

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Our Top Product Picks for Winter Readiness

Preparing for winter also means having the right products to support your heating system. Here are some of our best-selling items that customers trust to keep their homes and businesses warm:

Calpeda Unimat Alpha:

The Calpeda Unimat Alpha Single Pump 240V Pressurisation Unit is our top winter pick.

This high-performance unit is designed to effectively maintain and regulate pressure levels in heating systems, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient operation even in the coldest temperatures. Its automatic filling feature eliminates manual intervention, while its robust build and durable components make it suitable for residential and commercial use.

The unit's ability to consistently deliver optimal performance is particularly beneficial for settings that rely on precise pressure control.

By investing in this top-quality pressurisation unit, you can ensure the smooth and efficient running of your heating system and mitigate the risk of costly breakdowns during the winter season. The product is available here, with more comprehensive details and specifications.

Calpeda Unimat Alpha Single Pump 240V Pressurisation Unit
Special Price £703.56 £586.30 Regular Price £1,082.40 £902.00

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Flamco Flexfiller 225D, Midi 125D, Mini 130D:

These filling units ensure your heating system maintains the correct pressure, which is vital for avoiding system failures.

Flamco Flexfiller Midi 125D Pressurisation Unit - Single Pump

Keep your heating system in top condition this winter with the Flamco Flexfiller Midi 125D. This single-pump pressurisation unit ensures stable system pressure, preventing issues caused by drops during colder months. It's ideal for smaller commercial and residential applications, offering reliability and efficiency.
Flamco Flexfiller Midi 225D Pressurisation Unit - Twin Pump

For larger systems requiring dependable performance, the Flamco Flexfiller Midi 225D pressurisation unit with twin pumps is an excellent choice. Its dual-pump setup ensures continuous operation, even in demanding environments, making it perfect for commercial use during the harshest winter conditions.
Flamco Flexfiller Mini 130D Pressurisation Unit - Single Pump

The Flamco Flexfiller Mini 130D is designed for compact systems, offering reliable pressurisation with a space-saving single-pump unit. It’s the perfect solution for small properties or systems that need to maintain pressure throughout the winter, ensuring efficiency without compromising on quality.

Each of these units is designed to enhance system performance and reliability throughout the winter.

Flamco Flexfiller Mini 130D Pressurisation Unit - Single Pump
Special Price £910.80 £759.00 Regular Price £1,559.09 £1,299.24

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Flamco Flexfiller Midi 225D Twin Pump Pressurisation Unit
Special Price £1,372.80 £1,144.00 Regular Price £2,304.53 £1,920.44

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Flamco Flexvent Super 1/2 Automatic Air Vent:

This automatic air vent helps to remove air pockets that can cause blockages and reduce heating performance, ensuring your system operates smoothly.

The Flamco Flexvent Super 1/2" Automatic Air Vent is an essential component for maintaining optimal performance in heating systems. It automatically vents trapped air, helping prevent airlocks and improving system efficiency, especially during winter when systems are under heavier strain.

Designed for easy installation and reliable operation, it's perfect for both residential and commercial applications. It ensures your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the colder months.

Flamco Flexvent

Our product picks roundup.

Investing in these reliable products can greatly enhance your heating system’s efficiency, ensuring consistent performance throughout the winter months.

The Calpeda Unimat Alpha and Flamco Flexfiller Midi pressurisation units are designed to maintain stable pressure levels, reducing the risk of system failures during heavy use.

The Flamco Flexvent Super automatic air vent ensures smooth operation by eliminating airlocks, which can disrupt circulation and decrease heating efficiency.

These high-quality components help prepare your system for winter, boosting reliability and minimising downtime in colder conditions.

The Importance of Regular Service and Maintenance

Regular service and maintenance are essential for ensuring your heating system operates safely, efficiently, and reliably throughout the year—especially during the demanding winter months. Even the most advanced heating systems require routine checks and upkeep to perform at their best. Here’s why regular maintenance is crucial and how partnering with experienced professionals, like our CPS Service Team, can provide peace of mind and extend the life of your heating system. CIBSE’s Guide B1 highlights the importance of routine checks for boilers, pumps, and expansion vessels to avoid breakdowns.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Prevents Costly Breakdowns

Over time, wear and tear can damage critical components like boilers, circulating pumps, and expansion vessels. Regular maintenance checks allow for early detection of potential issues, such as leaks, pressure imbalances, or component wear. Addressing these problems early can prevent minor issues from escalating into major, costly repairs.

Optimizes System Efficiency

A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills. For example, a clean boiler operates more efficiently than one clogged with soot or scale, and a well-functioning pump ensures that hot water circulates effectively, reducing strain on the boiler and improving overall system performance.

Extends the Lifespan of Your System:

Like any mechanical system, your heating system's components have a finite lifespan. Regular maintenance helps to extend the life of these components by ensuring they are operating within their optimal parameters. This delays the need for costly replacements and ensures consistent performance year after year.

Ensures Safety

Faulty heating systems can pose serious safety risks like carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, or even fires. Regular inspections and maintenance checks help to identify and rectify these hazards, ensuring the safety of your home and family.

Compliance with Warranties and Regulations

Many heating systems come with manufacturer warranties that require regular maintenance to remain valid. Additionally, certain regulations and standards may mandate regular checks for safety and efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures compliance with these requirements, protecting your investment and avoiding potential legal issues.

Routine Maintenance: A Critical Component of System Care

Scheduling regular maintenance for key components like circulating pumps, boilers, and expansion vessels is essential for a reliable heating system.

Our comprehensive service packages include:

Inspection and Cleaning of Boilers: Regular boiler maintenance includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burner, and ignition system and cleaning any components that might have accumulated soot or scale. This ensures optimal combustion and heat transfer efficiency.
Circulating Pump Check and Lubrication: Circulating pumps, such as the Lowara ecocirc XLplus D 40-120F and Stuart Turner SPU 130, should be checked for proper operation, lubricated if necessary, and tested to ensure they maintain adequate water flow throughout the system.
Expansion Vessel Pressure Check: Checking the pressure of expansion vessels, like the Flamco Flexcon Premium Expansion Vessel, ensures they function correctly to manage system pressure. This prevents overpressure situations that could lead to leaks or system damage.
Pipework and Radiator Bleeding: Removing trapped air from radiators and pipework improves circulation and efficiency, ensuring your heating system operates without blockages or cold spots.

Regularly servicing these components helps maintain system efficiency, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and ensure your heating system is always ready to perform, even in the coldest weather.

Professional Services: Expertise When You Need It Most

Our team of experienced engineers is equipped to handle all aspects of heating system maintenance, from routine inspections to emergency repairs. We understand the unique demands of winter weather and are committed to providing reliable, efficient service to keep your heating system running smoothly. Our professional services include:

Emergency Repairs and Troubleshooting: When your heating system fails, you need prompt, professional assistance. Our engineers are only a call away to diagnose and fix issues quickly, minimising downtime and ensuring your business stays warm and safe.
Customised Maintenance Plans: Every heating system is different, so we offer customised maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you have a small or larger commercial setup, we can design a plan that fits your requirements and budget.

Our sales team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Why Choose Complete Pump Supplies for Comprehensive Heating Maintenance

In addition to our in-house services, our Service Team offers a wide range of specialised maintenance and service solutions through their FlowCare program. Our experienced engineers provide tailored maintenance packages designed to optimise system performance and extend the life of your heating equipment. They offer:

Emergency Support

With a dedicated team available, the CPS Service Team ensures that emergencies are handled swiftly, minimising disruption and restoring system functionality as quickly as possible.

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Detailed System Assessments

Our engineers thoroughly assess your system, identifying potential issues and recommending proactive solutions to prevent problems before they arise.

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Flexible Service Contracts

Our Service Team provides flexible service contracts that can be customised to meet your needs, from basic annual checks to comprehensive care packages covering all system maintenance and repair aspects.

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To learn more about our maintenance and service offerings, visit our Service page. Partnering with our Service Team ensures that your heating system is always in expert hands, giving you peace of mind from knowing your home will stay warm and safe throughout the winter.

Work with trusted professionals to comply with upcoming regulations like the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS). For example, the CPS Service Team's FlowCare program provides detailed maintenance plans ensuring compliance with UK technical standards.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Schedule Your Maintenance Today!

As winter approaches, now is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance check for your heating system. Regular service helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your system operates at peak efficiency.

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive maintenance packages and schedule your service today. Don’t wait until the cold sets in—take action now to ensure your home remains warm, safe, and comfortable all winter!

In short... Get Ahead & Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter Now -

Winter is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is ready to handle the cold. You can ensure a warm, worry-free winter season by understanding the key components, choosing the right products, and keeping up with regular maintenance.

By following these recommendations, you can avoid costly breakdowns and ensure your system operates efficiently and safely, aligning with UK regulations to improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions.

For more information on energy-saving tips and product recommendations in line with UK regulations, explore our full range of heating system products and services or consult CIBSE’s Guide B1 on heating for industry-standard practices: