Now, British Gas is urging homeowners to act now to make sure their heating systems are ready for regular use.
British Gas engineer, Peter Knowles, shares his practical tips to help Brits keep their homes warm and safe this winter while also saving on energy bills.
Peter Knowles, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “After an unseasonably warm start to the colder months, this week marks the time when households across the UK switch their boilers back on for good.
It’s vital to make sure your central heating is working
“As temperatures drop, it’s vital to make sure your central heating is working well and ready to cope with the demands of winter.
“Keeping your boiler well-maintained plays a big part in this, while a few small adjustments around the home can help cut costs and ensure you’re not using more energy than necessary.
“If you do run into any issues and you call before 11am, one of our engineers will be with you the same day.”
5 tips to keep warm this winter:
- Bleed your radiators: Sometimes, pockets of air can build up inside your radiators, stopping them from heating the room evenly. If you notice the top of your radiators feel cooler than the bottom, switch the system off and let it cool. Then, using a radiator key, gently open the valve at the top to let the air escape before closing it again.
- Keep draughts at bay: Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed can help reduce heat loss and lower energy bills by up to £60 a year. Simple solutions like self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can stop cooler air creeping in, while draught excluders are great for blocking gaps beneath doors. It’s also worth checking smaller openings – inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes that make a big difference.
-
Make the most of your home’s heat: Think carefully about how furniture is arranged in your home so radiators can do their job to the best of their ability. A sofa placed directly in front of a heat source might feel snug, but it stops heat from circulating the rest of the room. Meanwhile, using thicker curtains helps trap warmth at windows and doors and laying rugs on bare floors can reduce the heat escaping through the ground. And when the sun is shining, remember to open your curtains to let in natural warmth!
Recommended reading:
British Gas warns prepare for cold snap as temps drop 10°C
British Gas offering customers half-price electricity
Energy firm urges households to ‘prepare now’ for winter
-
Embrace zonal heating: To save money, avoid heating rooms you aren’t using, for example, conservatories or offices that are only needed when you’re working from home. Make sure to switch off the radiator and close the door to prevent cold air from moving through the rest of the house. When you need the room again, turn the radiator back on ahead of time to heat it up.
- Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, often cracking or bursting when water turns to ice. The simplest way to avoid costly repairs is to stop them from freezing in the first place. Wrapping pipes with inexpensive insulation from a DIY store helps retain warmth and reduce heat loss.
