As the energy price cap rises and bills are set to climb further in January, UK households are being urged to carry out key maintenance checks to prepare for colder months. Sustainability expert Simon Bones, founder of Genous, which helps homeowners create energy-efficient properties by installing renewable technology, has shared five autumn energy-saving tips.
Check loft insulation
One tip involves checking loft insulation to ensure it is evenly distributed. "Insulation is just a barrier, whether it's heat going out or heat coming in, but it does need to be there," Simon explains. "And sometimes if you've got ventilation in the loft, the insulation can blow about if it's loosely packed, so it's about making sure the heat stays there."
For those with existing loft insulation, he recommends checking it is evenly distributed and measuring its depth. The ideal thickness is 300mm, though falling marginally short is unlikely to warrant topping up. If insulation measures 150mm or below, topping up is worthwhile, either by a professional installer or, if tackling it yourself, taking care not to obstruct roof ventilation. For properties with no loft insulation, Simon firmly recommends it as a sound investment.
Arrange annual boiler service
Your boiler requires servicing annually, so schedule this now while the weather remains mild enough that heating isn't necessary, Simon recommends. "Boilers of any type are dangerous appliances if they're not dealt with properly," he cautions, particularly when poorly maintained or overlooked. "The main thing is to service them because if they're not working efficiently, you're wasting money."
The yearly service confirms your boiler is functioning correctly, pressure sits at appropriate levels, and no issues are developing. Ensure a gas safe engineer conducts the service, which you can locate via the Gas Safe Register website. "If they're coming towards the end of their life, and you do want to get a heat pump, which lots of people do when their boilers finally die, you can't get one in 48 hours," highlights the energy expert. Unlike a gas boiler, which can be swiftly replaced, "heat pumps take longer, so being on top of that timing is useful."
Ensure radiators are working properly
Radiators can accumulate fluff and dust, and keeping them clean will guarantee they're operating at maximum efficiency. "Specifically, if you've got a radiator with more than one panel. If you think of an old radiator with just a single panel of metal, that's not an issue," Simon says. "But if you have radiators with convector fins in the middle which help the heat to rise, and panels at either side, you need to clean them."
He recommends running a hair dryer on a cool setting along the top of the radiator to push dust downwards and out through the bottom, or using a radiator brush to remove debris. Additionally, check radiators aren't harbouring trapped air and requiring bleeding. When a radiator is cold, use a radiator key and slowly open the vent at the side, advises Simon. Position a cloth beneath to catch drips, turn the key, and listen for escaping air. Once the noise ceases and water begins trickling out, turn the key back and seal it off. "Again, something that's worth doing because you've probably had the radiators off for a few months, so making sure everything's working well for when the heating comes back on," he adds.
Upgrade where possible
"If you really want to change your bills, unfortunately you've probably got to spend some money," Simon emphasises. "Different houses are different... the structure of the property and what you can and can't do. But there's something for most people, and it's about finding out what that is, and if you've got the budget, doing it."
Major modifications include solar (photovoltaic panels prove more efficient than solar thermal), a heat pump, or both, which will deliver the greatest energy reductions, particularly if paired with a time-of-use electricity tariff and home battery. "If you presently have oil or LPG heating and you switch that to a heat pump, you can also take advantage of the government's enhancement to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which now stands at £9,000 towards transitioning off oil and onto renewables," notes Simon. "Plus if you wait, and go and do this in April [2027], the chancellor's going to give you £1,500 less. So if you were going to do it anyway, get it done before April. For other fossil fuel heating systems, you'll still be eligible for the scheme but will get £7,500."
While this will be an investment now, getting everything up and running means you'll start benefiting from the moment you have to turn the heating on. You'll still generate electricity from solar even in the winter months, and adding a battery means you can save up and store anything you don't use now for when you need it later.
Review energy tariffs
With the energy price cap having risen 4 per cent compared to the previous cap, it's vital to keep a close eye on which energy tariffs you're signed up to, advises Simon, who suggests shopping around amongst different energy providers. However, you may not even be on the most competitive rate your current supplier offers. "The price cap is simply what electricity and gas companies are allowed to charge you, it doesn't mean they always will," Simon says. "And if you're on a 12-month fixed tariff, that might be a good tariff. You might want to stay on it. But equally, as prices change, the energy companies don't tell you if you're not on the best rate – they don't have to."
"Plus, if you're on heating oil or LPG, they have no price cap at all. Price caps are only electricity and gas," he explains. "So, first thing is are you on the best tariff that's available from your supplier? And is there a better tariff? Be that a smart tariff, or just moving supplier. Like people do with their car insurance or whatever. One year so-and-so is cheaper, and the next year someone else might be better. So that's free money. It's not changing your energy usage, it's just not paying more than you need to," Simon says confidently.
