Common Heating Problems In London Homes During Winter And How To Fix Them

Many London homes struggle to stay warm in winter. Radiators do not heat up properly, boilers cut out, hot water runs lukewarm, or the system makes constant banging and gurgling noises. These issues are not just uncomfortable; they waste energy and push up bills, too. 

In this blog, we outline the most common winter heating problems in London homes and explain practical steps you can take to diagnose and fix them, or when to call in a heating engineer. 

As the team at Maintracts Services Ltd, we’ve seen this issue time and time again across London homes. If you’re experiencing heating problems, don’t wait till you’re shivering. Call us now on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk and we’ll work with you to restore your warmth and comfort. 

Understanding Heating Issues In Winter

In many London homes, heating systems are used less during the warmer months, so minor faults often go unnoticed. When the system is switched on more regularly in winter, these existing issues, especially in older properties, become clearer and more frequent. 

As we’ve explained in our blog about spotting early signs of heating issues, simple things like cold radiators or low boiler pressure can escalate rapidly. 

Some of the most frequent issues we encounter include: 

• Radiators that are cold or have cold spots 

• Unresponsive boilers or a lack of hot water 

• Strange noises or excessive energy bills 

• Pressure drops or leaks in the heating system 

These are among the core “heating problems” homeowners face and can usually be fixed before they cause major disruption. 

The Top 5 Heating Problems And How To Fix Them

1. Radiators With Cold Spots Or Uneven Heating 

When a radiator is cold at the top or bottom, it typically signals either trapped air or blockages such as sludge or scale. For example, one of our earlier posts outlined how cold radiators often result from trapped air in the system or the build-up of debris. 

How to fix it: 

• Bleed the radiator to release trapped air. 
• Check the radiator valves and ensure they’re open and functioning properly. 
• Re-balancing the system so heat is distributed evenly. 
• If the issue persists, arrange for a power flush of the system to remove any accumulated sludge. At Maintracts, we offer professional powerflushing across London. 

2. Low Boiler Pressure Or Frequent Resetting

If your boiler pressure drops below the normal 1–1.5 bar regularly and the boiler keeps cutting out, you may have a leak or a faulty valve. This is one of the most common heating problems we encounter across London properties.

How to fix it:

• Check the system pressure gauge and top up to normal levels if safe to do so.
• Inspect visible pipework for leaks.
• If the issue persists, call a Gas Safe registered engineer (we have a team ready in London 24/7).
• Ensure your boiler is serviced annually to catch faults early.

3. Boiler Making Strange Noises Or Producing No Hot Water 

Strange noises coming from your boiler or central heating system may indicate thermal inefficiency or a bigger underlying issue. Our guide explains how unusual sounds often signal more serious “heating system faults”. 

How to fix it: 

• Turn off the system and bleed the radiators to remove air. 

• Call an engineer if the noises persist; there may be sludge or scale inside the system that requires cleaning. 

4. Older Systems, Inefficient Running Costs And Hidden Sludge 

If your central heating takes a long time to warm up, or your energy bills continue to rise despite the same usage, you may be facing inefficiency caused by hidden build-up or outdated equipment.  

We highlight how sludge and sediment reduce system efficiency in our powerflushing blog. 

How to fix it: 

• Schedule a professional inspection for debris or sludge in your system. 

• Consider installing a magnetic filter or inhibitor to protect your system in the long term. 

• Upgrade parts of the system (e.g., old radiator valves) if your property allows it. 

5. Inefficiency Resulting From Inactive Months 

Many homeowners only switch their heating on when cold weather arrives, resulting in long periods of inactivity. That’s when many “heating problems” show up. Regular servicing and winter check-ups help avoid this. 

How to fix it: 

• Run your heating briefly in early autumn to check that everything is working properly. 

• Book annual servicing (we cover London every day of the year with no call-out charge). 

Preventative Actions That Save Time, Money And Stress

Prevention is always better than reaction. Here are some steps to take before winter sets in: 

• Ensure your boiler and system are serviced annually by a qualified engineer. 

• Bleed radiators in September to remove trapped air. 

• Use your heating system intermittently over summer to avoid stagnation. 

• Check for cold rooms or inefficient zones now rather than when the nights bite. 

• If your home uses older pipework or a central heating design, discuss options for an upgrade with us. We handle everything from underfloor heating to heat interface units. 

By acting early, you’ll reduce the risk of needing emergency repairs and avoid the discomfort of a cold home on a winter morning. 

Why Maintracts Services Ltd Are Your Reliable Partner In London

Since 1974, we’ve offered full-service plumbing, heating, electrical and drainage support across London. Our team is qualified, experienced (with decades of field experience), and ready 24/7 with no call-out charge. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or letting agent, we deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions for all “heating problems”.

We’ll provide clear quotes, keep disruption to a minimum, and ensure your property is comfortable, safe, and compliant. That’s trust you can rely on.

Conclusion: Keep Warm, Stay Safe, And Call Us Early

Winter in London is no time to be left without reliable heating. By understanding the common “heating problems” faced by homes and taking early action, you’ll stay cosy, save money and avoid the stress of an emergency breakdown.  

If you notice cold radiators, strange noises, pressure issues or simply want peace of mind, call us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk.  

Let us apply our decades of expertise to your home and ensure your heating system is working efficiently when you need it most. 

FAQs

Q1: How often should I get my central heating system serviced?

You should book a full service at least once every 12 months to maintain efficiency & avoid breakdowns.

Q2: What’s the difference between bleeding a radiator and powerflushing the system?

Bleeding removes trapped air from one radiator; powerflushing cleans the entire system of debris, sludge and scale.

Q3: My boiler pressure keeps dropping. Is that a sign of a leak?

Yes, repeated pressure drop can indicate a leak or a faulty component. It’s best to call an engineer for a check.

Q4: Can I fix cold spots on radiators myself?

You can attempt to bleed them yourself, but if the issue persists, it’s likely a system-wide problem that requires professional help.

Q5: Why are my heating bills higher even though temperatures are similar?

Sludge, scale or inefficient system design can reduce performance and increase energy use. An inspection can identify the root cause.