As the energy price cap increases, a British Gas expert has shared some advice on how Britons could save over £300 on their energy bills this winter.
From January 1, the energy price cap has increased 1.2 per cent meaning customers could see their bills rise by £21 for an average household per year.
As temperatures drop, British Gas estimates 64,320 households across the country will need help with their heating and hot water systems.
BritishGas is urging households to start preparing now to avoid any issues – and to ensure they are heating their homes efficiently.
Simple tasks like bleeding radiators, increasing the pressure on your boiler and having it serviced can help to ensure the system is running effectively and efficiently.
With that in mind, Dinesh Kumar, a British Gas service and repair engineer, has shared top tips to help prepare homes for the colder snap.
A British Gas service and repair engineer has shared top tips to help prepare homes for the colder snaps
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Carefully check your pipes
Kumar emphasises the importance of protecting pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs and bursts. He recommends insulating pipes with affordable materials from DIY stores to prevent heat loss and potential damage.
Bleed your radiators
For frozen pipes, Kumar advises carefully pouring hot (never boiling) water over them and using a hot water bottle to melt the ice.
The engineer also stresses the importance of bleeding radiators to maintain efficiency. If cold spots are detected near the top of radiators, Kumar recommends turning them off, allowing them to cool, and using a radiator key to release trapped air bubbles.
Block out the cold
Simple draught-proofing measures could save households around £60 annually, according to Kumar. He recommends applying self-adhesive foam strips around windows and using draught excluders under doors.
Even small details matter, with Kumar suggesting keyhole covers and letterbox brushes to prevent cold air ingress.
Arrange furniture for warmth
Furniture placement is crucial for optimal heating efficiency, with Kumar warning against positioning sofas directly in front of radiators.
Heavy curtains and rugs can help retain heat, though curtains should be opened during daylight hours to benefit from solar warmth.
Turn off radiators in unused rooms
He advises turning off radiators in unused rooms and closing doors to prevent cold air circulation. Installing thermostatic radiator valves allows for room-by-room temperature control, with Kumar recommending settings of 2-3 for unoccupied spaces.
Optimize your thermostat
Kumar advises setting thermostats between 18°C and 21°C, noting that lowering temperature by just one degree could save approximately £115 annually.
Prepare your heating for bedtime
He recommends programming heating to activate 15 minutes before waking and switch off 30 minutes before bedtime for optimal efficiency and improved sleep.
Embrace smart thermostats
Smart technology can deliver substantial savings, with Kumar highlighting that a Hive Thermostat could save up to £172 yearly on heating bills.
Give your boiler some TLC
The smart system allows remote heating control and budget tracking, with Hive Plus offering additional features including smart energy insights and away mode functionality.
Give your boiler some TLC
Kumar emphasises the importance of regular boiler maintenance to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. While some tasks like adjusting boiler pressure can be done independently, he recommends contacting qualified engineers for servicing and repairs.
Check if you qualify for energy support
British Gas offers same-day service for both customers and non-customers who report no heating or hot water before 11am. The British Gas Energy Trust provides additional support, offering face-to-face advice and grants of up to £1,700, available even to non-customers.
Kumar encourages households to check their eligibility for energy support before winter arrives, as many energy providers maintain assistance funds for energy costs.
By implementing these tips, households could save £347 on their energy bills through the year.
