Winter-Proof Your Business: Essential Heating Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Breakdowns

Why Winter Heating Maintenance is Non-Negotiable

Before the temperature drops, ask yourself:

• When was the last time your heating system had a professional inspection?
• Are you prepared for a sudden cold snap?
• Could an unexpected breakdown disrupt your business?

Failing to maintain your commercial heating system can lead to:

❌ Skyrocketing energy bills (inefficient systems work harder)
❌ Costly emergency call-outs (especially during peak winter demand)
❌ Premature system failure (neglect shortens lifespan)

Real-World Consequences – A Cautionary Tale

A Manchester-based warehouse ignored annual servicing on their gas-fired warm air heaters. When winter hit, a faulty burner caused uneven heating, leading to £5,000 in lost stock due to condensation damage. A simple pre-winter check could have prevented this.

Winrow’s Winter Heating Maintenance Checklist

Follow these steps to avoid winter heating disasters:

1. Schedule a Professional Boiler Service

• Inspect burners, heat exchangers, and flues for wear.
• Test safety controls (e.g., CO detectors, pressure valves).
• Clean components to maintain efficiency.

💡 Industry Example:
We service Baxi and Hamworthy commercial boilers for schools and hospitals, where reliability is critical. One NHS trust reduced breakdowns by 40% after switching to our planned maintenance programme.

2. Check Thermostats & Controls

• Calibrate thermostats for accurate temperature readings
• Upgrade to smart controls (e.g., Honeywell commercial thermostats) for better energy management.

💡 Product Highlight:
Our Honeywell T6 Smart Thermostat installations in retail spaces have helped businesses cut heating costs by 15% through automated scheduling.

3. Inspect Pipework & Insulation

• Lag exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursts
• Fix leaks promptly – even small drips can indicate bigger issues.

💡 Industry Example:
A food distribution centre in Leeds avoided a £20,000 freeze-related pipe burst thanks to our pre-winter insulation audit.

4. Test Airflow & Ventilation

• Clean filters in warm air heaters (clogged filters reduce efficiency by up to 30%)
• Check fan belts and motors in HVAC systems.

💡 Product Highlight:
Our Reznor and Johnson & Starley warm air units feature easy-access filters for hassle-free maintenance—perfect for warehouses and factories.

5. Plan for Emergencies

• Keep emergency heating contacts saved (like Winrow’s 24/7 call-out service)
• Train staff on basic troubleshooting (e.g., resetting tripped systems).

When to Call the Professionals

While some checks can be done in-house, complex systems need expert attention. Call Winrow if you notice:

1. Unusual noises (banging, whistling) from boilers
2. Uneven heating (cold spots in buildings)
3. Spiking energy bills (sign of inefficiency)

Why Choose Winrow?

• Gas Safe & OFTEC certified engineers
• Bespoke maintenance plans for your industry
• Same-day emergency repairs

Stay Warm & Operational This Winter

Don’t wait for the first frost to discover your heating isn’t up to scratch. Winrow Building Ltd provides:

• Pre-winter health checks
• Emergency breakdown cover
• Energy-efficient upgrades

Contact us today to book your winter service!
Explore our commercial heating services.