It might seem a little early to be thinking about the chilly months ahead, but getting your home winter-ready now can save you time, stress, and money when autumn arrives. A few small changes now can make a big difference in ensuring your home stays warm, cosy, and energy-efficient through the harshest of seasons.
Our top tips for preparing your for winter
- Insulate your home
A well-insulated home is key to reducing heating costs. Check your loft, walls, and floors for gaps and consider topping up your insulation if needed. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a semi-detached house could save up to £240 on energy bills by installing cavity wall insulation and £260 by installing loft insulation.
- Switch your lights off
Don’t forget to switch off lights as you leave a room, helping you to save electricity. This is more obvious in the winter, but less so now when you can take advantage of the longer days and natural light.
- Skip the tumble dryer
Whenever the weather allows, hang your laundry outside to dry. It’s a great way to take advantage of the sunshine while avoiding the high costs of running a dryer, and it could save you up to £60 a year, according to British Gas.
And let’s be honest, nothing compares to the fresh scent of clothes dried out in the fresh air!
- Take a moment to carry out tank checks
Making sure that your heating oil tank is in good condition is easily done now. It’s the perfect time to spot things like dead foliage around your tank or the lingering smell of fuel; both possible signs of a leak. Discover more on what to look out for in our TankWatch article.
- Do without the draught
It might not always seem obvious, but draughts from poorly fitting doors can result in a costly loss of heat and chilly temperatures in your home. Fitting draught excluders to doors over the summer is a great tip to avoid this, or you could choose to make your own using this handy Prima guide; perfect for the craftier amongst us. Either way, it will help keep the cold out, reducing your heating bills in the process.
- Bleed your radiators
Air can get trapped inside radiators, making them less efficient at heating your home. Bleeding them and releasing trapped air ensures they work properly when you need them most, and it’s one of the simplest things you can do to get your home winter-ready.
- Check your boiler or heating system
Don’t wait for the first frosty morning to test your heating. Give it a run once a month to ensure it’s working efficiently and don’t forget to give it an annual service.
If you can’t remember the last time you had your boiler serviced, our advice is to book one for late August or September when OFTEC registered heating engineers typically have greater availability. Remember, a well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, reduces the likelihood of a breakdown, and will help you to save on heating costs.
- Upgrade your curtains
Thicker, insulated curtains can make a big difference in keeping warmth inside your home. If you don’t want to buy new ones, adding a thermal lining to your existing curtains is a handy hack, and a great way to block out the cold.
- See if your eligible for an energy grants
In the UK, there are several energy grants and schemes available to help with heating costs. These include:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Warm Homes: Local Grant
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
- Energy Company Obligation
- Great British Insulation Scheme
For more information about these schemes, visit the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat
