Winter’s on its way and now’s the perfect time to get your home ready. A few simple tweaks can help keep you cosy, cut down on energy bills and make sure your heating is running efficiently before the cold really hits.
From loft insulation to radiator checks, here’s everything you can do to stay warm and save money this winter.
1. Insulate Your Home
Did you know that up to 25% of your home’s heat can escape through the roof? Even if you already have loft insulation, it’s worth double-checking that it’s the right depth before the cold sets in!
Ideally loft insulation is between 250mm and 270mm.
Properly installed loft insulation can last up to 40 years and usually costs just a few hundred pounds. Over time, the money you save on your energy bills will more than cover the cost.
And the best part? You might qualify for government-backed funding to cover some (or even all) of the cost.
2. Upgrade or Service Your Boiler
Modern boilers are far more efficient than older models. If yours is over 10 years old, it could be wasting energy. Swapping an old G-rated boiler for a new A-rated model could save you around £260 a year.
If your boiler is already modern, don’t forget to schedule an annual service. This keeps your heating running smoothly and prevents small issues from turning into costly problems. Book it while the weather’s still mild so you won’t be left without hot water or heating once winter hits.
3. Make the Most of Heating Controls
Heating controls are your secret weapon for staying warm and keeping bills down.
- Room thermostats help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home.
- Programmers let you schedule your heating to match your routine.
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) give you even more control by adjusting the temperature in each room so you’re only heating the spaces you actually use.
A full set of heating controls can help you stay cosy exactly when and where you need it, if you don’t already have them, you could save around £110 a year.
4. Check Your Radiators
Bleeding your radiators is a simple step that can make them more efficient and even help reduce your heating bills.
If your radiators feel cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it’s a sign they might need bleeding. It’s a quick job there are plenty of YouTube tutorials or local handymen who can help if you’re unsure.
5. Extra Help and Advice
If you want more guidance on saving energy making your home more efficient or reducing bills, you can reach out to:
- Energy Savings Trust
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- National Energy Action
They offer practical tips and support to help you stay warm while keeping costs down.
