Heating

Advice on boilers, radiators, central heating systems and keeping your home warm and energy efficient.

Ten Ways To Prepare Your Home For Winter: Part One

19th November 2018

As the warmth of the last summer rays starts to fade and the leaves fall from the trees, it is time to prepare your home for winter. The weather outside may be cold and bleak, but there is no reason that your home should be, too. We take a look at ten ways you can make sure your home is ready when winter finally comes.

1. Prepare Your Pipes

Burst pipes are the last thing you need when it is cold and damp outside and, with the unpredictable weather, you can never tell whether your pipes are likely to freeze in October, February, or not at all! Burst pipes are the result of the water in your pipes freezing and expanding, causing cracks and leaks. As the water thaws, it leaks in and around your home. Preparing your pipes for winter is relatively simple; it is just a case of insulation. If you want advice on keeping your pipes snug even in the coldest weather, contact a local plumber.

2. Service Your Boiler

Your boiler has probably been ticking over nicely over the summer, but it is best to check that it is working properly and that the thermostat is functioning before you come to use it when the temperatures drop. In addition to the inconvenience of finding yourself without heating, faulty boilers can waste huge amounts of gas and finding a boiler specialist when it’s cold is surprisingly difficult. Call a local boiler specialist and get your boiler serviced in October to make sure you are ready for winter.

3. Bleed Your Radiators

If your radiators aren’t as effective as they should be, feel the top and bottom. If they are cooler at the top and warm at the bottom, the problem can be easily resolved. Radiators often trap air inside, so when the water at the bottom heats up the air at the top remains cool. Place a towel under your radiator and use a radiator key to release the air, so that your radiator can fill up with hot water. You’ll be toasty in no time!

4. Compare Energy Suppliers

Sticking with the same energy supplier is something we all tend to do, after all, comparing different energy suppliers, settling up final bills and signing up to a new supplier can seem like more hassle than it’s worth. It is always worth checking out different energy suppliers; there are lots of deals out there to be had and, if you are paying over the odds for your energy, a few phone calls could save you hundreds of pounds.

5. Wrap Up Warm

Just as an extra layer helps you to keep warm, giving your home insulation can help to keep the heat in and reduce your energy bills. If your loft cavity insulation isn’t installed, call a local insulation specialist for advice. Likewise, if your windows are draughty consider getting a double-glazing quote or fit stick-on double-glazing panels to provide an extra layer of insulation for your home.

For more tips on insulating your home, see Part Two or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Looking for more heating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common heating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What is the difference between a combi boiler and a system boiler?

A combi heats water straight from the mains on demand - no cylinder needed, which makes it compact and ideal for smaller homes or flats. A system boiler works with a hot water cylinder, storing a ready supply that can serve multiple taps or showers at once without the pressure dropping - better for larger homes with more bathrooms. There's also the conventional boiler, which needs both a cylinder and a cold water tank in the loft - common in older properties. A heating engineer can help you figure out which suits your home best.
Is an air source heat pump right for my home?

Heat pumps pull warmth from the outside air (even when it's cold) and use it to heat your home and hot water. They work best in well-insulated homes, ideally with underfloor heating or larger radiators that work well at lower temperatures. In draughty or poorly insulated properties, the benefits are more limited. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers a grant of up to £7,500 towards installation, so it's worth getting a professional assessment to see whether your home is a good fit before committing.
How often should a boiler be serviced?

Once a year, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It keeps the boiler running safely, catches small issues before they become expensive, and is usually a condition of the manufacturer's warranty. Some home insurance policies require proof of regular servicing too. If you're not sure when yours was last done, book one before winter - better to find out before you're sitting in a cold house!
Why is my radiator cold at the top but warm at the bottom?

This issue is almost always trapped air. Bleeding the radiator - using a radiator key to release the air - usually sorts it, and it's one of the few heating jobs you can safely do yourself. If bleeding it doesn't work, or if several radiators are having the same problem, it might be a pressure or pump issue. Worth getting a heating engineer in to have a look.
What are the signs my boiler needs replacing?

Keep an eye out for: frequent breakdowns, energy bills going up without using more heat, unusual noises (banging, kettling, or whistling), a flame that's yellow or orange instead of blue, and any visible leaks or rust around the unit. If your boiler is over fifteen years old and ticking any of those boxes, replacing it is usually the more economical choice - modern boilers are significantly more efficient.
Is underfloor heating worth it and do I need a professional to install it?

For a new build or a big renovation, underfloor heating is often a great investment - it heats rooms more evenly than radiators and can be more efficient, especially alongside a heat pump. Retrofitting in an existing home is more of a job, and how worthwhile it is depends on your floor types and how much disruption you're happy to deal with. Either way - wet or electric - it has to be installed by a qualified professional.
Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?

Some pressure drop over time is normal, but if you're topping it up regularly there's usually a cause: a small leak in the system (which isn't always easy to spot), a pressure relief valve that's releasing water, or air in the system after bleeding radiators. Topping it up via the filling loop is fine as a short-term fix, but if you're doing it more than a couple of times a year, it's worth getting an engineer to look into why it keeps happening.

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