How to winter-proof your home

Last updated on 23rd October 2026.

It’s worth spending some time getting your home ready for winter before the cold weather really kicks in. Our tips will help you make your home more energy-efficient, which could help to cut your energy bills.

Invest in your insulation

Did you know that up to a quarter of your home's heat escapes through the roof? And even if your loft’s insulated, it's worth checking it meets the recommended 250mm to 270mm depth before winter sets in.

If fitted properly, loft insulation can last up to 40 years. It typically costs a couple of hundred pounds to install, so it'll pay for itself many times over with the savings you’ll make on your energy bills.

We can help with both loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

Declutter your gutters

Clearing out the gutter might not be your idea of a fun weekend. But whilst the weather’s mild, it's a great time to clear the debris left behind by high winds and rain.

Good drainage prevents a multitude of water-related problems, from seeping damp to major leaks.

Proper gutter maintenance is a good idea for insurance purposes, too. So clear those leaves and sticks to protect your home from water damage when the weather turns.

Keep your boiler pressure in check

Check your boiler pressure before things turn cold. It'll run best at around 1 to 1.5 bar, and you can check this via the gauge on the front of your boiler unit.

See our handy guide to correcting boiler pressure issues if you need to adjust yours.

Give your radiators some attention

Bleeding radiators will not only increase their heat efficiency, it could save you money on your heating bills too.

It's quick and easy to do, and relatively disruption-free while the weather's still mild.

So if your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, see our step-by-step video for instructions on how to bleed your radiators and save yourself a cold and costly winter.

Service your boiler  

Servicing your boiler annually can stop any minor problems becoming more serious.

It also helps ensure that your heating sees you through those chilly winter months. Make sure you get it done when the weather's warmer and you’ll help avoid the hassle of no hot water or heating when it's cold outside.

You can book a one-off service with one of our expert engineers, or if you have HomeCare just log in to your account to book your annual service.

Lag your pipes

Insulated tubing costs very little, and you can buy it from most DIY stores and fit it yourself.

Wrap those pipes up warm ahead of winter and you’ll prevent freezing and heat loss. Focus on the pipes that take hot water from your boiler or cylinder to your hot water taps.

You’ll find them in airing cupboards, next to your boiler (between the boiler and hot water tank), or under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Draught-proof doors and windows

Even with your heating running efficiently and your roof insulated, you can still lose heat through your doors and windows.

Draught excluders are a cheap and effective way of winter-proofing your doorways.

To seal up gaps around your windows, you could use caulk or buy a simple DIY window insulation kit.

Service your roof

Cracked or missing roof tiles can lead to leaks and flooding. And they can even invalidate your home insurance if improper upkeep leads to weather damage.

So don't wait to see what happens when winter comes. Try to spot issues in advance from street level or from a neighbouring property.  

And if you don't feel comfortable climbing a ladder? Call in the professionals.

Make a plan B

Do you know where your stopcock is?

In the (rare) event that your pipes do freeze up, you'll want to prevent a build-up of pressure forming behind the blockage and leading to a burst pipe.

So familiarise yourself with the whereabouts of your stopcock and make sure that you can access it easily. It’s the little tap or lever on your copper pipes, often found under your sink.

Looking for an easier solution? Explore our easy to reach mains water switch

More helpful advice from The Source

Whether you're tackling a home emergency, planning for seasonal weather or looking for simple ways to care for your home, The Source has practical guides, expert tips and useful information to help you stay one step ahead. Explore more articles covering home maintenance, heating, plumbing, energy and everyday home care.