Winter Readiness (Part 2): Preparing Your Heating Pump System

Will Your Heating Pump System Let You Down?

This week has been a stark reminder that Autumn is almost here, as we've very quickly shifted from a mediocre summer to 'grab your thermals'! And we want to know - have you committed and turned on your heating yet? When you do, there's a few things you can look out for to make sure your system is functioning as it should.

After months of sitting dormant, your heating pumps could be at risk of failure when you need them most. Getting your system checked now, could mean the difference between a comfortably warm building this Autumn/Winter to interrupted operations and occupant complaints.

In this second part of our two-part series on 'Winter Readiness', we’re shifting focus from stormwater systems (part 1) to heating systems. We’ll uncover common heating system issues, like seized pumps and single points of failure, and share expert tips to make sure your heating system is up to the task.

1. Common Issues When Restarting Heating Systems

When heating systems are left unused for an extended periods, several issues can arise. Identifying these problems early is crucial for preventing system failures.

Seized Pumps and Damaged Seals: Pumps left idle for months often seize due to lack of movement, and the seal faces, which remain static, can bed together and crack upon restart. These failures not only reduce system efficiency but can also lead to cascading damage if not promptly addressed.

Single Point of Failure in Twin Pump Systems: Another risk is undetected failures within twin pump sets. We've seen this happen, and it often gets left as everything appears to be running smoothly, but it leaves the system vulnerable to run on a single pump. A failure in the remaining pump can cause total system shutdown if not resolved before reactivation.

2. Winter Readiness: A Proactive Approach

To avoid these issues, we recommend taking a proactive approach:

Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule regular maintenance visits throughout the year, not just when problems arise. This will help catch potential issues before they become significant problems.
Pre-Winter Testing: Conduct thorough checks in September, before turning the heating system back on. This will give you ample time to address any issues.
Monitor Pump Performance: Keep an eye on how your pumps are performing - can you detect any anomalies in your BMS such as temperature spikes; can you hear any unusual noises? This can indicate issues such as pump overloading, mechanical failure, or inefficiency in heat transfer.

Want to read more about how to spot signs of pump failure? Don't miss our related blog 'Detecting Early Signs of Pump Failure: Prevention Measures to Keep Your Building Running Smoothly'.

In this article we delve into the early warning indicators of pump system failure and reveal the essential strategies to prevent costly shutdowns. Read the full article here.

Case Study: Ensuring Winter Readiness in Critical Environments

We have extensive experience working with clients in critical operational environments where system reliability is essential (such as those working in the public sector). In many of these settings, heating systems are turned off during the summer, with only essential services like hot water remaining operational.

By September, these sites begin their winter readiness checks to ensure everything is in working order before the heating systems are brought back online. These checks frequently uncover issues such as seized pumps or leaking seals, and even complete pump failure. Early detection through regular maintenance allows our clients to resolve these issues before they escalate, ensuring a smooth and reliable transition into the winter months.

3. What's Next?

Don’t leave your heating systems to chance. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of dealing with heating failures during the coldest months of the year.

Book a maintenance visit: Need some extra outside resource? deckpro pumps offer maintenance checks and free site visits to your systems are operating correctly.

Book a repair: If you do notice something is wrong, our engineers are on-hand to help. We offer callout services and aim for first-time fixes!

4. Winter Readiness (Part 1): Stormwater Pump System Preparations

If you haven’t already, make sure to read Part 1 of our Winter Readiness series to learn how to prepare your stormwater systems for the rainy season ahead. Read the full blog here.