As we welcome the summer months in Hertfordshire, many homeowners are turning off their heating systems until autumn returns. However, simply flicking the switch isn’t always the best approach for your boiler’s longevity. As a local heating company based in Stevenage, we know that preparing your boiler properly for its summer hibernation can prevent problems when you need it most later in the year.
Why Summer Boiler Maintenance Matters in Hertfordshire
While Hertfordshire summers are generally mild, we rarely need our central heating from June through September. However, our county’s notoriously hard water means that without proper summer preparations, your boiler could accumulate limescale and other issues during these dormant months.
Taking the time to prepare your boiler for summer properly can:
- Extend your boiler’s operational lifespan
- Reduce the likelihood of autumn breakdowns
- Maintain efficiency for when heating is needed again
- Prevent complications from Hertfordshire’s hard water
Should You Turn Your Boiler Off Completely?
This is perhaps the most common boiler question we receive from Hertfordshire homeowners in the summer. The answer depends on your specific circumstances:
When to Keep Your Boiler Running
For most Hertfordshire homes, I recommend keeping your boiler on but in a reduced capacity during summer for these reasons:
- Hot Water Needs – If your boiler provides hot water as well as heating (which is common in Hertfordshire properties), turning it off completely would mean cold showers
- Pump Seizure Prevention – Complete inactivity for months can cause pumps and valves to seize, especially in areas with hard water like St Albans and Hitchin
- Periodic Circulation – Occasional use prevents stagnation in your system
When Complete Shutdown Might Be Appropriate
A complete summer shutdown might be suitable if:
- You’ll be away from your Hertfordshire home for extended periods
- You have a separate hot water system
- You’re planning major home renovations
If you do opt for a complete shutdown, we strongly recommend a professional service before turning it back on in autumn.
Step-by-Step Summer Boiler Preparation Guide
Follow these steps to properly prepare your Hertfordshire home’s boiler for the summer months:
1. Schedule a Pre-Summer Service
The ideal time for a boiler service is actually before summer rather than before winter. This allows any issues to be identified after a season of heavy use and ensures your system is clean and efficient during its lower usage period.
Our boiler servicing specialists in Hitchin recommend pre-summer servicing to check:
- System pressure and integrity
- Signs of limescale build-up (particularly important in Hertfordshire’s hard water areas)
- Pump functionality
- Efficiency parameters
2. Switch to Hot Water Only Mode
Most modern combi and system boilers have a “summer mode” or “hot water only” setting:
- Access your boiler’s control panel
- Look for a mode that shows just a hot water symbol (without the radiator symbol)
- Select this mode to disable central heating while maintaining hot water
For Worcester Bosch boilers (which we specialise in), this typically involves turning the left-hand dial to the hot water symbol only.
3. Consider Your Programmer Settings
If you use a separate programmer:
- Turn heating schedule to OFF
- Maintain hot water settings as needed
- For smart controls, use the app to disable heating schedules
4. Check and Adjust System Pressure
Hertfordshire’s temperature fluctuations can affect your boiler’s pressure. Before reducing summer usage:
- Check the pressure gauge (ideally between 1-1.5 bar)
- If necessary, repressurise according to your manufacturer’s instructions
- Make a note of the pressure to compare when you restart full heating
5. Run Your Heating Briefly Each Month
Even in summer, I recommend Hertfordshire homeowners run their heating for 15 minutes once a month to:
- Keep pumps and valves functional
- Prevent the seizing of moving parts
- Identify any emerging issues before autumn
This is particularly important in newer developments in places like Welwyn Garden City and Royston where high efficiency systems can be more prone to pump seizure if left inactive.
6. Consider a Magnetic Filter Flush
If your system doesn’t already have a magnetic filter, summer is the perfect time to have one installed. These devices capture metallic debris that can damage your boiler.
In Hertfordshire’s hard water areas, particularly St Albans and Harrow, this additional protection can significantly extend boiler lifespan.
Special Considerations for Different Boiler Types
Combi Boilers
The most common boiler type in Hertfordshire homes, combi boilers need special attention because they:
- Provide both heating and hot water directly from the mains
- Can develop limescale more quickly in our hard water areas
- Benefit greatly from summer mode settings
System Boilers
For system boilers with separate hot water cylinders, common in larger Hertfordshire properties:
- Ensure cylinder thermostats are set appropriately for summer
- Consider whether to maintain hot water schedules or use boost function as needed
- Check expansion vessel pressure during summer preparation
Conventional Boilers
For older properties in places like Letchworth that still use conventional (regular) boilers:
- Consider whether to maintain the pilot light (if applicable)
- Check loft tanks and their insulation
- Ensure feed and expansion tanks are clean and properly covered
When to Consider Summer Boiler Replacement
Summer represents the ideal time for boiler replacement as:
- You’re not dependent on heating
- Engineers have more flexible scheduling
- You can take time to research options without pressure
If your boiler is over 10 years old or has been problematic, consider our new boiler installation services.
Preparing for Autumn Restart
Make a note in your calendar for early September to:
- Check system pressure again
- Run radiators briefly to identify any issues
- Bleed radiators if necessary
- Consider booking an autumn check-up if you skipped the pre-summer service
Get Professional Help with Summer Boiler Preparation
Proper summer boiler maintenance is an investment in your heating system’s future. Our team of Gas Safe registered heating engineers can help prepare your boiler for the summer months with a comprehensive service and appropriate system adjustments.
Contact our team today for advice specific to your Hertfordshire home’s heating system or to arrange a pre-summer service. We provide specialist boiler services across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Hitchin, Letchworth, Royston, Harrow, and Welwyn Garden City.
