diff --git a/gauge.py b/gauge.py
index f382b78..254a958 100644
--- a/gauge.py
+++ b/gauge.py
@@ -1128,6 +1128,7 @@ def main():
         ota.mark_ok()
     except:
         pass
+    gc.collect()
 
     last_heartbeat = utime.ticks_ms()
 
@@ -1136,6 +1137,7 @@ def main():
             now = utime.ticks_ms()
 
             check_wifi()
+            gc.collect()
 
             if not check_mqtt():
                 utime.sleep_ms(1000)
@@ -1145,6 +1147,7 @@ def main():
             service_discovery()
             arduino_recv()
             _flush_backlight_state()
+            gc.collect()
 
             # Periodic re-home
             for i in range(num_gauges):
@@ -1157,6 +1160,8 @@ def main():
                 info(f"Heartbeat: {gauge_targets}")
                 publish_state(client_ref)
                 last_heartbeat = now
+                gc.collect()
+                info(f"Heap free: {gc.mem_free()} bytes")
 
             utime.sleep_ms(10)
 
@@ -1164,6 +1169,7 @@ def main():
             import sys
             sys.print_exception(e)
             log_err(f"Main loop error: {e} — continuing")
+            gc.collect()
             utime.sleep_ms(100)