May is a bit of a wildcard. One morning you’re opening the windows to catch a spring breeze, and by dinner time, you’re eyeing the thermostat because a damp chill has settled over the house.
At MPS Heating, we call this the "May Muddle." It’s that transitional period where your heating system isn’t working full-time, but it isn’t quite on summer vacation yet. To help you navigate the season comfortably—and save a few pounds on your energy bills—we’ve put together this quick guide to spring-cleaning your home’s warmth.
At MPS Heating, we call this the "May Muddle." It’s that transitional period where your heating system isn’t working full-time, but it isn’t quite on summer vacation yet. To help you navigate the season comfortably—and save a few pounds on your energy bills—we’ve put together this quick guide to spring-cleaning your home’s warmth.
1. Give Your Thermostat a "Spring Refresh"
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, May is the perfect time to update your schedules. You likely don’t need the heat kicking in at 6:00 AM anymore.
Pro Tip: Aim for a "set it and forget it" approach during the day. Keeping your home at a steady, moderate temperature is often more efficient than letting it go freezing cold and then forcing the boiler to work overtime to heat it back up.
2. Don’t Ignore the "Strange Noises"
Since your heating is running less frequently, you might notice odd sounds when it *does* kick on—clunking, whistling, or gurgling. These aren't just "character"; they are often signs of air trapped in the system or limescale buildup.
3. Check Your Radiators for Cold Spots
Now that the heavy lifting of winter is over, feel your radiators. Are they cold at the top? If so, they likely need bleeding. This simple task ensures your system isn't wasting energy trying to push heat through pockets of air.
Frequently Asked Questions for May Maintenance
Common queries we get this time of year—answered.*
Q: Should I turn my boiler off completely in May?
> Generally, no. It is better to keep your boiler on but set your thermostat lower or use "Summer Mode." Turning a boiler off for months can lead to internal parts (like the pump) seizing up due to inactivity. Most modern boilers have an exercise feature that runs the pump briefly once a day to prevent this.
Q: Is May a good time to book a boiler service?
> May is actually the **ideal time** for a service. We are typically less busy than in the autumn rush, meaning you get better availability. Plus, it ensures any minor issues caused by the winter strain are fixed before they turn into major breakdowns during the next cold snap.
Q: Why is my house feeling damp even though it’s spring?
> Spring showers often lead to high indoor humidity. If you’ve turned your heating off entirely, the air stays cool and holds less moisture, leading to condensation on walls. Running your heating on a low setting for an hour a day can help circulate air and keep dampness at bay.
Q: How can I save money on heating during the spring?
> The best way to save is by utilising "solar gain." Keep curtains open during the day to let the sun naturally warm your rooms, and close them as soon as the sun sets to trap that free heat inside.
Planning Ahead
While the sun is starting to shine, don't leave your comfort to chance. A little maintenance now means you won't be shivering come October.
Need a spring check-up or looking to upgrade to a more efficient system? Contact the team at MPS Heating today!
How has your heating system been holding up after this past winter?
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, May is the perfect time to update your schedules. You likely don’t need the heat kicking in at 6:00 AM anymore.
Pro Tip: Aim for a "set it and forget it" approach during the day. Keeping your home at a steady, moderate temperature is often more efficient than letting it go freezing cold and then forcing the boiler to work overtime to heat it back up.
2. Don’t Ignore the "Strange Noises"
Since your heating is running less frequently, you might notice odd sounds when it *does* kick on—clunking, whistling, or gurgling. These aren't just "character"; they are often signs of air trapped in the system or limescale buildup.
3. Check Your Radiators for Cold Spots
Now that the heavy lifting of winter is over, feel your radiators. Are they cold at the top? If so, they likely need bleeding. This simple task ensures your system isn't wasting energy trying to push heat through pockets of air.
Frequently Asked Questions for May Maintenance
Common queries we get this time of year—answered.*
Q: Should I turn my boiler off completely in May?
> Generally, no. It is better to keep your boiler on but set your thermostat lower or use "Summer Mode." Turning a boiler off for months can lead to internal parts (like the pump) seizing up due to inactivity. Most modern boilers have an exercise feature that runs the pump briefly once a day to prevent this.
Q: Is May a good time to book a boiler service?
> May is actually the **ideal time** for a service. We are typically less busy than in the autumn rush, meaning you get better availability. Plus, it ensures any minor issues caused by the winter strain are fixed before they turn into major breakdowns during the next cold snap.
Q: Why is my house feeling damp even though it’s spring?
> Spring showers often lead to high indoor humidity. If you’ve turned your heating off entirely, the air stays cool and holds less moisture, leading to condensation on walls. Running your heating on a low setting for an hour a day can help circulate air and keep dampness at bay.
Q: How can I save money on heating during the spring?
> The best way to save is by utilising "solar gain." Keep curtains open during the day to let the sun naturally warm your rooms, and close them as soon as the sun sets to trap that free heat inside.
Planning Ahead
While the sun is starting to shine, don't leave your comfort to chance. A little maintenance now means you won't be shivering come October.
Need a spring check-up or looking to upgrade to a more efficient system? Contact the team at MPS Heating today!
How has your heating system been holding up after this past winter?
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