Summer’s here finally. The sun’s shining (most days), windows are flung open, and the heating dial hasn’t been touched in weeks. Your boiler, after working overtime through the cold months, is officially on holiday. And at this point, you might be wondering:
“Should I just switch it off until winter?”
It’s a fair question. With no need for heating and hot water still flowing from your taps, turning the boiler off completely can feel like the logical move. Less energy use, fewer emissions, potentially even lower bills what’s not to love?
But before you flick that switch and forget about it for the next few months, there’s something worth knowing: your boiler isn’t just sitting there twiddling its thumbs when the heating’s off. Like any mechanical system, it still needs a bit of attention even during the summer slowdown.
Behind the scenes, your boiler has moving parts pumps, valves, and seals all quietly waiting for their next shift. And just like a car that’s been parked too long, leaving everything dormant for months can lead to problems.
So, what should you do with your boiler during summer? Is it better to shut it off completely, or should you keep it ticking over? And why does it even matter if you’re not using the heating?
Let’s clear up the confusion, and explain how to keep your boiler in good shape so it’s ready when the cold comes creeping back.
It’s easy to see why switching off your boiler completely in summer seems like a smart move. After all, if the radiators aren’t in use and the sun’s doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your home warm, what’s the point in keeping the boiler running?
For many households—especially those with combi boilers that heat water on demand—it’s tempting to just leave the heating side of things alone and assume everything will be fine until autumn rolls back around.
No heating, no problem… right?
In theory, it sounds efficient. You’re saving on energy, cutting down on wear and tear, and doing your bit for the environment. It’s the ultimate “out of sight, out of mind” logic.
But here’s the catch…
Just because your boiler isn’t actively heating your home doesn’t mean it can be ignored. Boilers aren’t like light switches you can leave off for months with no consequences. They’re more like engines—and when engines sit idle for too long, things can start to go wrong.
What starts as a harmless summer switch-off can lead to all sorts of headaches when the weather turns. Let’s talk about why keeping your boiler ticking over is more important than you might think.
Here’s where things get a bit more technical but stick with us, because this part’s important.
Inside your boiler is a network of moving parts: pumps, valves, seals, and other clever components all working together to keep your home warm and your hot water flowing. In the colder months, they’re constantly in motion, quietly doing their job behind the scenes.
But when summer hits and the heating’s off for weeks or even months those parts suddenly stop moving. And just like a car that hasn’t been started in a while, that’s when trouble starts brewing.
Pumps can stick.
Motorised valves can jam.
Seals can dry out and crack.
None of these issues happen overnight, but if your boiler sits untouched through June, July, August, and September, don’t be surprised if it throws a tantrum the moment you ask it to fire up in October.
That first chilly evening when you go to turn on the heating—only to realise it’s not working usually comes with a sense of panic (and a mad dash for extra blankets). And guess what? That’s exactly when heating engineers are at their busiest.
The good news? It’s totally avoidable.
A few simple actions during the warmer months can keep everything running smoothly, so your boiler’s ready to perform when you need it most. Let’s talk about how to do that next.
Here’s the good news: keeping your boiler in good shape over the summer doesn’t take much.
You don’t need to run it every day. You don’t need to blast your heating and turn your living room into a sauna. All it takes is running your central heating for 10 to 15 minutes every few weeks—just enough to get things moving.
That short burst is like a mini workout for your boiler. It helps circulate water through the system, keeps the pump turning, stops valves from sticking, and ensures internal seals stay flexible. In short, it gives all the key components a chance to stretch their legs so they’re not caught off guard when the cold weather returns.
Think of it like starting your car every so often if it’s been parked up for a while. You’re not taking it on a road trip you’re just giving the engine a gentle nudge to stop it from seizing up.
It’s a tiny habit, but it can make a big difference. Not only can it save you from an awkward breakdown in autumn, but it could also spare you from a repair bill and the hassle of trying to get an engineer out during the busiest time of year.
So pop a little reminder on your calendar or phone. Once a month, give your heating system a quick spin. You’ll barely notice it’s on but your boiler definitely will.
Let’s be honest—boilers are the last thing on most people’s minds when the sun’s out and the barbecues are firing. But here’s the thing: summer is secretly the best time to show your boiler a bit of love.
Think about it—your boiler works hard all winter long, keeping your home cosy and your water hot. But just like any hardworking appliance, it needs a bit of TLC now and then to keep it running smoothly. And there’s no better time than the warmer months to get that done.
Here’s why booking a service in summer just makes sense:
Engineers aren’t rushed off their feet.
In winter, heating engineers are like superheroes in high demand. Everyone’s boiler suddenly decides to pack in when it’s freezing outside, and emergency callouts skyrocket. That can mean long waits and tight schedules. In summer? The pressure’s off. You’ll find more availability, more flexibility, and often, better service times that suit you.
You’ll be one step ahead of the cold.
Waiting until the first cold snap to book a service is like waiting until your car won’t start to check the oil. A summer service means your boiler is ready to go the moment you need it. No last-minute surprises, no emergency breakdowns, no scrambling for blankets while you wait for a fix.
It helps catch small issues before they become big problems.
A professional service can spot signs of wear and tear early—before they turn into full-blown faults. Whether it’s a dodgy sensor, a tired pump, or a build-up of sludge, catching it now could save you a hefty repair bill (and a lot of stress) when winter returns.
Your system will run more efficiently.
A well-maintained boiler runs smoother, uses less energy, and could even help reduce your bills. If you’re the type who likes saving money (and who isn’t?), this is a no-brainer.
Summer boiler servicing is one of those “set it and forget it” wins.
One quick visit from an engineer now means you can head into autumn and winter with total peace of mind. No wondering if your heating’s going to play up. No worrying about whether it’ll make it through another season.
So while you’re soaking up the sunshine and ticking off the summer to-do list, add one more easy win: book your boiler in for a service.
Trust us—your future self (and your chilly toes) will thank you.
It’s easy to forget when the sun’s shining, so set a quick reminder in your phone for once a month. Run your heating briefly, check your radiators are warming up, and listen out for anything unusual.
Should you turn your boiler off in summer? Not completely.
Run your heating briefly every few weeks to prevent components from seizing up.
Book a boiler service in summer while engineers have better availability.
A little care now means a warm and stress-free winter later.
If you’re ever unsure about how to manage your boiler through the seasons, or worried that your boiler may need a service whilst there is some time to get it done before it’s too late, head over to the contact page and fill out the contact form to book in a check up on your boiler
Whether it’s a quick check, a full service, or just some friendly advice, we’re here to help.
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