Preparing for winter

Your cooking and heating appliances should be serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. So, if you haven't done already, check that your boiler and radiators are working properly. Run your central heating on full to check that your radiators heat up. If you can feel any cold spots, they may need bleeding.

See how to bleed a radiator

You should also lag water tanks and pipes to conserve heat and prevent freezing. If you own a condensing boiler, ensure your external condensate pipe is lagged or protected by a trace heater to prevent it freezing in extreme weather.

If your central heating or hot water stops working, there are a few things you can do before calling an engineer:

1. Check that your central heating clock or timer is working properly. Make sure that it's switched on and showing the correct time. You'll find step-by-step instructions in your boiler manual.

2. If your electrical power has been off for a while, you might also need to reset your clock.

3. If you have a wireless room thermostat, check to see if the batteries need replacing - this is easy to do.

Learn more about these checks in our video guide

It's never too late to insulate your home. Improving your home insulation will help keep it warmer for longer and save you money. And until 31st July it won't cost you a penny as we're offering you free loft and cavity wall insulation if you're one of our energy or HomeCare® customers.

Find out how to get free home insulation

Your local DIY store can advise how to draught-proof your windows and doors. Heavy, lined curtains will help keep heat in. If you have Venetian blinds, tilt the blades so they face down, with the curved side towards the room. Remember to leave air bricks and vents clear as your home needs ventilation to stop condensation and ensure a supply of fresh air.

Set your thermostat at the recommended temperature of 21°C (70°F). If the weather is really cold, set your heating to come on a little earlier to give the house time to warm up, rather than turning up the thermostat. It's also a good idea to fit a thermostatic valve to each radiator so you only heat the rooms you use. If your radiators are already fitted with thermostatic valves, check that these aren't sticking.

Find out how a thermostatic radiator valve works

With a free electricity monitor, EnergySmart™ helps you understand how much energy you're using and make small changes that could help you save up to £120^[1] a year - so you can say goodbye to estimated bills.

Read more about EnergySmart™

See our tips on how to avoid unexpected repairs for your plumbing this winter.

Read more about plumbing tips

See our tips on how to avoid unexpected repairs for your drains this winter.

Read more about drain tips