British Gas is urging UK households to complete a series of checks to prepare their homes for winter, as colder weather prompts thousands to switch on their heating for the first time in months.
The energy firm has shared 10 checks that could help prevent costly problems. The guidance comes as it predicts around 34,000 households will need help with their heating and hot water as temperatures drop.
Following a warm summer and a mild start to autumn, the company says the change in weather could catch some households off guard. Its engineers are preparing for an increase in call-outs as people turn on their heating for the first time in months.
Expert advice on preparing your home
Peter Knowles, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: "After the warmer summer months, it's easy to put off some of those jobs around the home until the weather takes a turn.
"But getting ahead now can make all the difference. Checking your boiler and radiators are working as they should, protecting pipes and making sure your home is ready for wetter weather are all simple things you can do before winter sets in."
The 10 checks to make now
British Gas has outlined the following checks households can carry out:
1. Check your boiler pressure
Boiler pressure can drop over time, particularly when heating systems have not been used much during warmer months. When the heating is off and the system is cool, the pressure gauge should usually read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is low, consult the boiler manual for instructions on safely topping it up.
2. Bleed your radiators
Radiators that feel cooler at the top than the bottom may have trapped air, preventing them from heating rooms evenly. Switch off the heating and allow the radiators to cool before using a radiator key to release the air. Check the boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding radiators can cause it to drop.
3. Make the most of zonal heating
Heating only the rooms you use regularly could help reduce energy waste. Smart thermostats and smart radiator valves can allow households to control temperatures in individual rooms. Closing doors to unused spaces can also help prevent cold air from circulating around the home.
4. Check for draughts
Gaps around windows and doors can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Self-adhesive foam strips, draught excluders, letterbox brushes and keyhole covers are relatively simple ways to help seal common gaps and keep rooms warmer.
5. Rearrange furniture to improve heat circulation
Large pieces of furniture placed directly in front of radiators can prevent warm air from circulating effectively. Moving sofas away from heat sources, using thicker curtains and adding rugs to bare floors may help rooms feel warmer. Opening curtains during sunny periods can also let natural warmth into the home.
6. Insulate exposed pipes
Pipes in colder areas, including lofts, garages and cupboards, can freeze when temperatures fall sharply. If water freezes inside a pipe, it can expand and cause the pipe to crack or burst. Pipe insulation, available from DIY shops, can help protect exposed pipes before winter arrives.
7. Find your stopcock
Knowing where the main water stopcock is located can help households act quickly if a pipe bursts. It is often found beneath the kitchen sink, although its location varies between properties. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to turn off the water supply.
8. Check your loft insulation
Poor loft insulation can allow heat to escape through the roof, making homes harder to keep warm. British Gas recommends insulation around 250mm to 270mm deep. If existing insulation falls short, topping it up could help reduce heat loss and improve comfort during colder weather.
9. Clear leaves from gutters
Fallen leaves and debris can block gutters, preventing rainwater from draining away properly. This can contribute to damp, leaks and other property damage during wet winter weather. Check gutters before conditions deteriorate, but use a professional if they cannot be accessed safely.
10. Check whether you qualify for energy support
Households struggling with energy bills may be eligible for additional financial assistance. The British Gas Energy Trust offers advice and support for people experiencing energy debt, including grants of up to £1,700 for eligible applicants. Checking the available support before temperatures drop could help households plan for higher heating costs.
