The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), has reissued two leaflets to help engineers and householders prepare their heating systems for this winter’s cold snaps. Many parts of the UK have just been through one over Christmas and New Year, with the potential for a ‘Beat from the East 2’ predicted for later in the month.

Frozen condensate pipes

One of the most common problems encountered when temperatures plummet in the ice and snow is system shut-off due to frozen condensate pipes.

Stewart Clements, Director of HHIC said: “If a boiler condensate discharge pipe freezes, it will cause the boiler to go into “shut off” at a time when householders need their heating and hot water the most. Particularly as many are more reliant on their heating systems, given that a large proportion of the UK is now working from home.”

HHIC leaflets can be downloaded for free:

The consumer information guide, highlights a number of steps that householders can take to protect their heating systems during particularly cold weather. 

The engineer’s guide is more technical and provides a useful summary of industry best practice for the installation of boiler condensate pipes - something to make your trainee gas installers aware of.