Heating

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

Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter

8th January 2026

As temperatures drop, keeping your home warm becomes a top priority, not just for comfort, but for health and energy efficiency too. Whether you live in a period property or a modern build, a few smart changes can make a big difference. Here are some practical, cost-effective tips to help keep the cold out and the warmth in.

Seal draughts and gaps

One of the simplest ways to retain heat is by stopping cold air getting in. Check around windows, doors, letterboxes and floorboards for draughts. Draught excluders, self-adhesive weather stripping and sealant are inexpensive solutions that can significantly reduce heat loss. Even unused chimneys should be properly blocked with a chimney balloon or draught stopper.

Make the most of your heating system

Ensure your boiler and heating system are working efficiently by servicing them regularly. Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking heat from circulating. Setting your thermostat correctly (usually between 18–21°C for living areas) helps maintain comfort without excessive energy use. Using a programmable thermostat allows you to heat your home only when needed.

Use curtains and blinds wisely

Thick, lined curtains are excellent at retaining heat. Close them as soon as it gets dark to keep warmth inside, especially in rooms with large windows. During daylight hours, open curtains on south-facing windows to let natural sunlight warm your home for free.

Insulate wherever possible

Good insulation is one of the most effective long-term ways to keep your home warm. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and even insulating hot water pipes can dramatically reduce heat loss. While some upgrades may require investment, they often pay for themselves through lower energy bills.

Layer your living space

Soft furnishings such as rugs, throws and cushions add both warmth and insulation, particularly in homes with hard flooring. Rugs help prevent heat escaping through the floor and make rooms feel instantly cosier.

Dress for the season

Sometimes the easiest solution is the simplest, and at a time where loungewear is the height of fashion, dressing warmly has never been easier. Wearing warm layers indoors, such as jumpers and thermal socks, allows you to stay comfortable without constantly turning up the thermostat.

Check windows and glazing

If replacing windows isn’t an option, secondary glazing film or thermal blinds can help reduce heat loss. Even simple measures like closing curtains tightly and sealing window frames can improve warmth.

Heat from the inside

Keeping warm isn’t just about what you do or what you wear, what you eat can make a big difference, too. Hearty soups and stews are filling, nutritious, and help you to feel full and warm; a win-win!

Keeping your home warm doesn’t always mean higher energy bills. With a mix of sensible habits, small improvements and efficient heating use, you can stay comfortable, reduce heat loss and enjoy a cosier home throughout the colder months.

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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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