September and October are the right time to prepare your flat for winter — tradespeople are still relatively available, problems are visible while it's warm, and there's no stress when the temperatures drop. The checklist below helps you miss nothing.
1. Heating — check it before you need it
Don't wait for the first cold day to turn on the heating and discover something isn't working.
- Bleed the radiators — if you haven't done this since last season, there is almost certainly air in the system. Is the top of the radiator cold? That's the sign.
- Check the boiler pressure — it should be between 1 and 2 bar in a cold system. Below 1 bar, the system needs topping up.
- Run the boiler on a test run — let it run for an hour or two and check that all radiators heat up and that there are no unusual sounds.
- Annual boiler service — recommended once a year, ideally at the end of summer or start of autumn, before the heating season.
Tip: an annual gas boiler service costs 4,000–8,000 RSD in Belgrade and prevents breakdowns at the worst possible moment — mid-winter.
2. Windows and doors — sealing and draught-proofing
Poorly sealed windows are one of the biggest causes of heat loss and high heating bills.
- Check the rubber seals on windows — if they are brittle, cracked or you can clearly feel a draught, they need replacing. Seal replacement is inexpensive (200–500 RSD per metre) and can significantly reduce heat loss.
- Check the window hardware adjustment — PVC windows have hardware that can be adjusted to a winter setting (pressing harder against the frame). A joinery specialist does this.
- External window frames — are there cracks or damage around the frame? Seal them before winter.
3. Boiler — prepare it for heavier use
- If the boiler hasn't been serviced for more than 2 years, autumn is exactly the right time — it works harder in winter and breakdowns are more frequent.
- Check the anode (the magnesium protection rod inside the boiler) — it should be replaced approximately every 2–4 years depending on water quality. Without an anode, the boiler corrodes from the inside.
- Listen for noise during heating — limescale in the boiler produces a characteristic hissing or knocking.
4. Ventilation and moisture — preventing condensation
In winter, with the flat closed up, moisture accumulates. The result is condensation on cold surfaces and, over time, mould.
- Check that ventilation openings in the bathroom and kitchen are not blocked — they get put in and then forgotten
- Cold corners in the bedroom or behind wardrobes are signs of poor insulation — consider fitting thermal insulation cladding
- Buy a hygrometer (cheap, 500–1,000 RSD) and monitor humidity — the optimum is 40–60%
Warning: mould on walls is not just an aesthetic problem — it can be a health risk, especially for children and people with respiratory conditions. Don't cover it with paint, fix the cause.
5. Electrics — especially in older flats
- Fuses and circuit breakers — check they are working properly before you start using electric heaters, fan heaters and similar devices that put a load on the circuit
- Extension leads — don't overload them with heating appliances in winter
Need a boiler engineer, a window specialist or a plumber before winter? On Brzix you can find an available tradesperson in your area.
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