Heating

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

Winter Warmers Part 1: Practical Tips for a Warmer Home

27th November 2025

Winter often brings freezing mornings, damp evenings, and the familiar struggle of trying to keep your home warm without watching your heating bill climb. Whether you live in a modern new-build or an older property with character (and a few draughts), there are plenty of simple, affordable ways to make your home feel cosier. Here’s how to keep the warmth in and the cold firmly out this winter.

Make the most of your heating system

A warm home starts with an efficient heating system. Before winter really kicks in, it’s worth checking that your boiler and radiators are working properly. Bleeding your radiators is a quick and easy job that can instantly improve heating efficiency. If the top of the radiator feels cold while the bottom is warm, trapped air is the culprit.

It’s also a good idea to have your boiler serviced annually by a qualified heating engineer. A well-maintained boiler heats your home faster, uses less energy and is far less likely to break down during those sub-zero nights when you need it most.

Use heat consistently and smartly

Turning your heating on full blast for short bursts might seem efficient, but it can actually use more energy than keeping your home at a steady, moderate temperature. Smart thermostats and programmable timers help you heat your home when you need it while avoiding wasting energy when you don’t.

Tackle draughts before they steal your heat

Draughts are one of the biggest causes of heat loss in UK homes, particularly older ones. Luckily, draught-proofing is inexpensive and highly effective. Simple fixes like draught-excluder tape around windows, brush strips on doors, and covers for letterboxes can drastically reduce cold airflow.

Don’t ignore hidden culprits: chimneys, unused fireplaces, loft hatches and gaps around skirting boards all let warm air escape. A chimney balloon or temporary chimney draught excluder can make a huge difference.

Boost your insulation

Insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home warm. Loft insulation is affordable, widely available and can reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Cavity wall insulation is also extremely effective, though it may require professional installation.

For renters or those not ready for major improvements, thermal curtains, thick blinds and even simple window film can help keep warmth inside.

Use natural heat whenever possible

The British sun might be shy in winter, but when it does appear, make the most of it. Keep curtains open during daylight hours to let sunlight naturally warm the room, and close them as soon as the sun sets. Heavy, lined curtains provide instant insulation.

With a few practical changes and smart habits, you can keep your home warmer, reduce energy waste, and stay comfortable all winter long without breaking the bank. Want to know more or find a local trader that you know you can trust? Follow us on Facebook or X.

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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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