As cold weather hits the UK, British Gas offers practical tips to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient during the chilly months ahead
London: A snow-bomb is on its way to the UK, bringing chilly winds and blustery conditions. British Gas is sounding the alarm, saying over 40,000 homes might need help to stay warm.
With stormy weather expected from Friday, they recommend checking your pipes now to avoid any nasty surprises. Frozen pipes can crack or burst, leaving you without water.
Dinesh Kumar, a service engineer at British Gas, has shared 11 handy tips to prepare your home for the cold. First up, check your pipes. If they freeze, pour some hot (not boiling) water over them to help melt the ice.
Next, bleed your radiators. Trapped air can make them less efficient. If you feel cold spots, turn them off, let them cool, and use a radiator key to release the air.
Don’t forget to block out the cold! Check your windows and doors for draughts. Self-adhesive foam strips can save you around £60 a year. And draught excluders are great for gaps under doors.
Think about your furniture placement too. Make sure your radiators can do their job. If your sofa is blocking one, it won’t heat the room well. Heavy curtains and rugs can also help keep the warmth in.
If you have rooms you don’t use, turn off the radiators there. Close the door to keep the cold air from spreading. When you need the room again, just turn the radiator back on ahead of time.
Insulating your pipes is a smart move. It helps prevent freezing and saves you from costly repairs. You can find affordable insulation materials at DIY stores.
Also, optimize your thermostat. Keeping it between 18°C and 21°C can save you about 10% on heating bills. Just lowering it by one degree could save you around £115 a year!
Set your heating to come on 15 minutes before you wake up and turn it off 30 minutes before bed. This can cut energy costs and help you sleep better.
Consider smart thermostats too. They let you control your heating from anywhere, so you won’t waste energy if you’re running late.
Lastly, give your boiler some love. Regular maintenance can prevent future issues. Some things you can do yourself, but for anything tricky, call a qualified engineer.
And don’t forget to check if you qualify for energy support. The British Gas Energy Trust offers advice and grants of up to £1,700, even for non-customers.
