Prepare your home for cold weather

10 ways to stay warmer this winter 

Simple tasks like bleeding radiators, increasing the pressure on your boiler and having it serviced can help to ensure your heating system is running effectively – especially after little or no use since last winter. 

“It’s important to make sure central heating systems are running smoothly and are prepared to withstand the winter weather," says John Cussen, our Head of Consumer and Business Services. “Keeping your boiler in good check is key to this, while making a few simple changes around the home can help save on bills and make sure you aren’t using more energy than you need.” 

Here are a few of his top tips for every home.

Bleed your radiators. Air can become trapped in radiators, forming bubbles at the top of the that reduce their heating efficiency. If you notice cold spots near the top of your radiator, turn it off and let it cool, then use a radiator key to open the valve and release the trapped air. 

Seal out the cold.  Keeping your windows and doors draught-free could save you up to €55 a year. Simple self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can block cold air, while draught excluders are ideal for gaps under doors. Don’t forget about smaller gaps like keyholes – affordable keyhole covers are quick to fit and will help keep the cold at bay. 

Position furniture for warmth: Arrange furniture to allow heat to circulate freely. Positioning your sofa directly in front of a radiator may feel cosy, but it absorbs most of the heat that could otherwise warm the rest of the room. Heavy curtains and rugs also help retain heat, while opening curtains during the day lets in natural warmth.  

Turn off radiators in unused rooms: Save on heating costs by turning off radiators and closing doors in rooms you aren't using. When you need the space again, turn the radiator on slightly earlier to warm it up. Also, consider installing thermostatic radiator valves to set temperatures room-by-room, keeping the temperature in unused room lower by 2 or 3 degrees, or off completely when you’re away. 

Insulate your pipes. Frozen pipes are a common issue, often leading to cracks or bursts when water inside turns to ice. Avoid this by insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store, to retain heat and prevent freezing, which in turn, helps to avoid expensive repairs. 

Set your thermostat wisely. While it’s tempting to raise the thermostat on colder days, aim to keep your main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C, which could save you around 10% on your heating bills. For an average household, lowering the temperature by just one degree can make a notable difference in energy costs. 

Prepare your heating for bedtime. Programme your heating to turn on 15 minutes before you wake up and turn off 30 minutes before you go to bed. This can reduce energy costs and even improve your sleep. Consider lowering the heat in rooms that aren’t being used at night. 

Consider a smart thermostat. Winter brings higher energy costs, so take advantage of smart technology like programmable thermostats. Installing a Hive Thermostat puts heating control at your fingertips and makes tracking spending simple.  

Maintain your boiler. It’s often the case that many people don't think about their boiler until it breaks down — but regular maintenance and servicing can help your boiler run more efficiently, potentially saving you 5% on heating costs. Some tasks like checking your boiler, pressure can be done yourself, but ensure you have a qualified engineer handle servicing and repairs.   

Check for energy support. We can help ensure you’re on the right plan for your specific household needs — and even give you advice on home efficiency upgrades for any budget. 

Keep your boiler ticking over

It’s smart to switch on your boiler for a few minutes once a week during warmer months. This may prevent it seizing up when winter arrives. 

Water pressure and your boiler. Keep an eye on your water pressure levels by checking the gauge, which is at the front of most boilers or it could be in your hot press.

If the pressure is too high or low, it can stop your boiler working effectively.

Keeping your home cosy and safe

If you need expert help or essential work done, get in touch. We’ve been helping customers keep their boilers running smoothly and their homes cosy for over 35 years.

And if you want a smarter, more energy-efficient home, we’re the experts to call.

Find out more in our service hub.