British Gas issues winter warning to anyone with a boiler | UK | News
British Gas has issued a warning to all households with combi boilers ahead of the cold months, urging families to “be prepared now” to avoid problems later this winter. More than 1.2 million customers’ boilers needed their boilers repaired last winter, according to the energy giant, with many calling engineers in panic when their heating system stopped working.
British Gas says most people turn their heating on towards the end of October, usually after four consecutive days when temperatures fall below 9°C. But by then it may be too late to avoid costly repairs, especially if the boiler has not been checked or used for months. With this in mind, the company has shared a list of 10 simple steps to help keep homes warm and prevent mid-winter breakdowns.
These include bleeding radiators, insulating pipes, setting the thermostat between 18°C and 21°C, and using draft blockers to prevent hot air from escaping.
British Gas says turning down the heating by just one degree could save families around £75 a year on their energy bills.
Other money-saving tips include using district heating by turning off radiators in unused rooms and scheduling the heating to come on just before waking up and off half an hour before bed.
The advice comes as millions of households prepare to turn their radiators back on for the first time in months.
Sunny Solanky, a British Gas engineer with 17 years’ experience, said: “It’s almost that time of year. As we move into autumn the nights start to darken and temperatures drop.
“But there’s more to preparing for the colder months than just dusting off your great coat. It’s important to make sure your home is equipped for cooler temperatures to help you save on bills and stay as warm as possible.
“Keeping your boiler under good control is key to this, and making a few simple changes around the home can also help.
“And if you encounter any problems and call before 11am, one of our engineers will be with you the same day.”
Some other top tips include rearranging furniture to avoid clogging radiators, using thicker curtains to trap heat, and placing rugs on bare floors to prevent heat from escaping through the floor.
British Gas also recommends you check if you are eligible for support through the British Gas Energy Trust.
It offers face-to-face advice, financial help and grants of up to £1,700 even to people who are not British Gas customers.
Installing a smart thermostat like Hive can also help reduce heating bills by up to £175 a year by giving homeowners greater control over the temperature in each room.
And the most important tip? Do not wait until the first cool down.
British Gas says boiler problems increase rapidly when the weather improves and engineers are quickly relocated.
