Residents have been advised to check the condition of their central heating systems this season, as flue accessories begin to feel the effects of the winter weather.

Last year, frozen condensate pipes caused many issues, burdening homeowners with no heating and necessitating the assistance of heating installers, The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has told the Bury Focus.

A common issue among homes was where their condensate drainage pipe had frozen, leading the condensate to back up into the boiler and triggering a total shutdown of their central heating.

HHIC deputy director Chris Yates said: "Our changing climate has put additional pressures on householders heating systems. That is why HHIC is urging households to check their heating systems before winter really kicks in."

Heating advice has also been issued by Build It, with the magazine's editor Anna-Marie DeSouza recommending that people should install property insulation as a means of ensuring their homes remain warm in winter.