Don't be put off by the sunny days, for it won't be long now till the autumn chills will be here and you will want to put your heating on.

Doing a quick check now will mean that should you need any work doing, you may be able to get hold of that elusive plumber before the winter sets in.

Many people don't think about checking their systems and assume that since it was all ok last year, the same will follow for this year. They can then be left with no heating, no hot water or even neither. With so many parts to the heating system, when left over the long warm summer months it may seize up.

British Gas recommends that you should run your central heating for about 10 minutes. According to them, now is already a little late. But don't be tempted to leave it any longer. Check the boiler, controls and pump and make sure all are running well.

Recently British Gas was accused of leaving many of their Central Heating Repair customers with no heating in the bitter cold months. They prioritise putting disabled, elderly and families with very young children first. Even so, having a quick check now could mean many of their call outs would then not be necessary.

The beginning to mid-October is the prime time for plumbers to be called out for central heating breakdown repairs ? so get in quick and check it now.

Your gas appliances should have their annual check ups by a CORGI registered engineer.

As with most things, if you look after your central heating system, maintain it and keep it in good working order, it will last a lot longer and cost a lot less money in repairs and ultimately replacement.

There are many on the market that will help to maintain your system. Reducing sludge and limescale deposits in your system is actually fairly simple. Devises can be fitted or cleansers put into the system. Many DIYers will do these themselves, although if you are at all unsure you should get in a QUALIFIED engineer.

Remember ? when installing anything to do with gas it must not be installed by a DIYer or helpful friend. Only use a qualified and CORGI registered engineer. Any appliances fitted or gas work undertaken by an unqualified person may be illegal and will certainly put the lives of those in the premises at severe risk.

If you go to the resource box attached you will find further information on keeping central heating systems maintained and also on carbon monoxide poisoning ? a deadly gas which is associated with faulty gas appliances ? although it is also linked to other fuels.

can supply all you need to maintain a healthy central heating system and any spare parts that may need to be replaced.