Millions of UK households issued ‘prepare now’ warning by major energy firm
British Gas is urging UK households to prepare for the colder months as the majority are expected to switch their heating systems on by the end of October.
The energy provider said last winter more than 1.2 million customers needed engineer calls to repair faulty boilers and restore basic heating and hot water services.
While some households turned on their heating during the first cold spell in September, company data shows most people waited until the end of October, or when temperatures fell below 9°C consistently for four consecutive days.
British Gas service and repair engineer Sunny Solanky highlighted common pitfalls.
“Now that summer is behind us, many people will be considering turning their heating systems back on for the first time since last winter, and this is often a time when unwanted problems can arise,” he said.
“Keeping your boiler in good working order is key to keeping everything running smoothly, and a few simple changes around the home can make a real difference to your comfort and energy use too.”
Among the basic recommendations, the company advises households to bleed their radiators.
This is especially important if the top of the radiator is colder than the bottom; This indicates that the air is compressed.
The process involves using a radiator wrench to slowly open the valve at the top, allowing air to escape, before safely closing it again.
Other tips include:
- Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed using self-adhesive foam strips around frames and air screens to cover gaps under doors, as well as inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes to prevent cold air from entering the home.
- Ensuring that heavy furniture is not placed in front of radiators while using thicker curtains and laying rugs on bare floors to reduce heat escape.
- Adopting ‘zone heating’, avoiding unused heating rooms.
- Insulating pipes to prevent pipes from cracking or bursting when water turns to ice.
- Adjusting the thermostat between 18C and 21C to provide both comfortable and cost-effective heating. British Gas said lowering the temperature by just one degree could cut heating costs by around 10 per cent, saving the average household around £75 a year.
- Programming the heating to turn on about 15 minutes before getting up and off half an hour before going to bed.
