Is Your Commercial Boiler Ready for Heating Season?

By Helen Morphew
Boiler Checks Imagery

After a few warm months, your commercial heating system is about to go back into full operation. For many businesses, the first cold snap reveals hidden issues, anything from stuck valves to failing pumps that can affect performance and ultimately cause discomfort for staff, impact productivity, or even shut down your operation entirely.

Now is the ideal time to prepare your heating plant for the winter ahead.

Why Pre-Season Boiler Checks Matter

Prevent Disruption: A sudden breakdown during peak heating season can lead to unexpected costs, leave your building cold, force your staff to work from home, or even result in a temporary closure.

Minimise Costs: Emergency callouts are more expensive and may be harder to schedule during winter when engineers are at their busiest.

Stay Compliant: It is a legal requirement that all commercial properties must maintain records of annual boiler servicing for health & safety compliance and to keep insurance policies valid.

Improve Efficiency: A serviced and well-maintained boiler uses less energy; this can reduce running costs in the long run when gas prices are high.

Key Pre-Season Checks for Commercial Heating Systems

Here are the proposed proactive steps we recommend:

Book a Boiler Service

Have a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler. This will include combustion checks, safety device testing, flue integrity checks, and efficiency measurements.

A summer or early-autumn service means you can identify and resolve issues before heating demand rises and mitigate the risk of productivity being effected or operational issues arising.

Run a System Test Cycle

Switch the system on and carry out a full system test to check that all radiators, fan coils, or underfloor zones heat up evenly.

Listen for unusual noises and check the boiler display(s) for fault codes.

Inspect System Pressure & Controls

Ensure the pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Verify and better utilise time schedules, BMS (Building Management System) settings, and thermostats are ready for winter operation.

Check Water Quality & Inhibitor Protection

A water sample can show whether the system inhibitor needs topping up. Poor water quality can lead to sludge buildup, cold spots, and reduced efficiency.

Exercise Valves & Pumps

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), isolation valves, and circulation pumps can seize after months of inactivity. Running them now can identify any failures that may impact your staff, customers and the way your building operates.

Look for Early Warning Signs

Cold spots, persistent pressure drops or leaking valves indicate issues that should be resolved before the heating season starts.

How We Can Help

Here at BSE|FM, we have a team of Gas Safe registered engineers trained and qualified to work on all commercial boiler systems of all sizes. Whether you operate an office block, school, retail unit, or industrial site, you can trust us to maintain your heating system to the highest standards.

We provide:

· Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): Scheduled servicing tailored to your site and operational requirements.

· One-Off Boiler Service: Ideal if your annual service is overdue.

· Fault Finding & Repairs: Quick response if you notice issues during your own system testing.

· Water Quality Testing & Treatment: Protects your system, improves efficiency and extends the life of the system.

Preparing now not only saves money and prevents costly downtime but also supports both your current and future budgets. By planning ahead and scheduling testing for your commercial heating system this autumn, before winter sets in, you can address any issues early, avoid unexpected repair expenses, and maintain better control over this year’s maintenance costs. Proactive preparation also makes it easier to plan and allocate funds for future servicing, helping your business stay on budget and your building comfortable all winter long.

Get in touch today to schedule your commercial boiler service before the first cold snap.

Gas Safe Compliance – What You Need to Know

If your business uses gas appliances, the law requires that they are installed, maintained, and serviced by Gas Safe registered engineers. Commercial landlords, facilities managers, and duty holders must be able to demonstrate that gas systems are safe to operate and that servicing is up to date. Failing to do so can lead to compliance breaches, fines, and most importantly, safety risks for building occupants.

A Gas Safe registered company ensures:

· All work is carried out to current legal and safety standards

· Annual servicing and safety records are properly documented, ensuring legal compliance

· Your business stays compliant with insurance and regulatory requirements We are fully Gas Safe registered and here to support your business. Trust us with your commercial gas systems, and we’ll keep your building safe, compliant, and running efficiently all year round.

Talk to Our Expert Team

If you would like to learn more about the range of services we offer, please get in touch for an informal discussion about your needs and requirements.