As temperatures drop across the UK, British Gas engineer Peter Knowles has shared 10 practical tips to help households keep their homes safe and warm this winter. The advice comes as Britons adjust to colder nights and as Cornwall Insights predicts typical dual-fuel households could see annual bills jump by as much as £276 in January.
Support package and bill changes
In the Budget on Wednesday, Chancellor Mr Healey announced a £2.6 billion support package that will see around 20 million households in council tax bands A to D receiving £100 from the Government this winter to help with energy bills. Other measures were also announced, including a "cost control framework" to drive down bills.
Ahead of the Budget, it was confirmed that standing charges on gas bills will be scrapped from next year, with fixed costs to be paid on the unit rate instead. The Treasury said this could save 60% of households an average of £45 on their annual bills, with reforms to follow for electricity bills. The Chancellor also said the Gas Shipper Obligation, a green levy to fund hydrogen projects, will be axed from energy bills and put on to general taxation. A VAT cut on electricity will be extended to July, which Mr Healey said would take £50 off the annual price cap.
Practical tips from British Gas
British Gas says every year it helps millions of customers to fix broken boilers and get their heating and hot water systems back up and running. Mr Knowles shared the following tips:
- Check your boiler pressure: The pressure can drop over time, particularly if heating hasn't been used much during warmer months. When the heating is off and the system is cool, it should usually sit between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it's low, check the boiler manual for instructions on how to top it up safely.
- Bleed your radiators: Pockets of air can build up inside radiators, stopping them from heating rooms evenly. If the top of radiators feels cooler than the bottom, switch the system off, let it cool, and use a radiator key to gently open the valve at the top to let air escape. Check boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding can cause it to drop.
- Check if your thermostat offers zonal heating: If supported, avoid heating rooms not regularly used, such as conservatories or offices, and close doors to stop cold air circulating. Smart thermostats like Hive can be paired with smart radiator valves to control temperature in each room via smartphone.
- Identify and block draughts: Self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can stop cooler air creeping in, while draught excluders block gaps beneath doors. Inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes that can make a big difference.
- Arrange furniture to maximise heat: A sofa placed directly in front of a heat source can prevent heat circulating around the rest of the room. Thicker curtains can trap warmth around windows and doors, and rugs on bare floors help keep things cosy underfoot. When there is winter sun, open curtains to make the most of natural warmth.
- Insulate your pipes: When temperatures drop, there is a risk of frozen pipes, which can crack or burst as water inside them freezes. Pay particular attention to pipes in colder areas like lofts, garages and cupboards, and wrap them with inexpensive pipe insulation from a DIY store.
British Gas HomeCare customers are also eligible for a free annual boiler service, with those eligible who are yet to take advantage urged to do so.
