8 Steps To Get Your Home and Heating Prepared for Winter

Having your boiler serviced annually ensures that your boiler is running safely and efficiently, helping you avoid potential breakdowns during the colder months. A professional service can help to catch small issues before they escalate, ensuring your system performs optimally.

Gas Safe engineers are trained to maintain your boiler to the highest standard, ensuring peace of mind. By booking a service in the autumn, you can ensure your system is in peak condition before winter sets in. This will not only help your boiler to run smoothly but also extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long term.

Cold spots on your radiators can be a telltale sign of trapped air, which reduces their efficiency. If your radiators aren’t heating evenly, or some areas feel colder than others, this usually means the radiator is warm at the bottom and cold at the top. Therefore, it may be time to bleed them. Bleeding your radiators is a simple task that releases the trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate freely. This ensures your home warms evenly, without wasting energy.

Bleeding your radiators can help to maintain the efficiency of your heating system. This small but vital maintenance step that can make a big difference in your heating performance and energy usage. However, it’s important to not bleed your radiators too often only when it is needed as it can reduce pressure in the system, and you may need to top it up afterwards.

Optimising your heating control settings is an easy way to ensure your home stays comfortable whilst managing energy usage. It’s important to find the right balance between warmth and efficiency. The ideal room temperature in the UK is between 18°C - 21°C, with the average temperature being 20°C. In winter, it can be tempting to increase the temperature to heat your home quicker. However, turning down your thermostat to a steady, moderate temperature can prevent your boiler from working harder than necessary and with the potential to save energy.

Effective insulation is key to preventing heat loss. This keeps your home warmer for longer and reducing the strain on your heating system. Without proper insulation, your boiler has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, which can reduce energy efficiency.

Start by checking the insulation in your loft, walls, and windows. Upgrading or adding insulation to these areas can make a substantial difference. You can also install draught excluders around doors and windows to stop cold air from seeping in. Simple, affordable steps like these reduce heat loss and help you maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient home throughout winter.

If you notice your heating system isn’t performing as well as you’d expect, for example, if you keep having to call a heating engineer out to fix any issues, if the system is old or your radiators aren’t heating up properly, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern boilers are designed to be highly efficient. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps cut down on heating bills over time. Upgrading to a more efficient boiler can make a noticeable difference during the colder months.

Winter conditions can exacerbate issues with your plumbing, particularly if your pipes are exposed or not properly insulated. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs and disruption to your heating system. To avoid this, check your home for any signs of leaks or wear, especially around your heating system.

Look out for blockages in your heating system as well. The external boiler condensate pipe, which removes excess moisture from your boiler, is particularly vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. It is important to ensure this pipe is well-insulated and clear of blockages to keep your system running smoothly. By taking a proactive approach, you can prevent unexpected issues that could leave your home without heat when you need it most.

If your home uses a gas boiler, it’s essential to test your carbon monoxide detector regularly, particularly before the colder months arrive. A quick test of your detector can give you peace of mind, ensuring your home remains safe throughout the winter.

If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, we strongly recommend installing one in your home.

Draughts around doors, windows, and letterboxes can lead to greater heat loss. This makes your home feel colder and causes your heating system to work harder than necessary. Sealing up these gaps is a simple and cost-effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Weatherstripping, caulking, or adding draught excluders are quick fixes that can make a significant difference. By reducing draughts, your home stays warmer for longer, and you heating system will work more efficiently.

By following these eight steps, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your home is prepared for the cold months ahead. From servicing your boiler to sealing draughts, small actions can have a big impact on your comfort and energy efficiency.