Brits urged to get homes ready for winter as thousands of households start reaching for thermostats

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British Gas is urging households across the UK to get their homes ready for winter, as this weekend’s colder mornings and evenings are set to prompt thousands to reach for the thermostat.

Its engineers are preparing for call-outs to spike in the coming days, with around 34,000 households needing help with their heating and hot water.

Following a warm summer and mild start to autumn, British Gas says the change in weather could catch some households off guard. It is advising homeowners to act now, with simple checks such as topping up boiler pressure, bleeding radiators, insulating pipes and clearing gutters helping to prepare homes for the months ahead.

British Gas customer data shows that each year there is a mini boiler switch coinciding with the first colder snap of the season, but the majority turn their heating on in late October (or when there are four consecutive days of minimum temperatures below 9 degrees).

Every year, British Gas helps millions of customers to fix broken boilers and get their heating and hot water systems back up and running.

Peter Knowles, a British Gas service and repair engineer, has shared practical tips to help homeowners prepare for the winter weather and keep their homes warm and comfortable.

Peter Knowles, British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “After the warmer summer months, it’s easy to put off some of those jobs around the home until the weather takes a turn.

“But getting ahead now can make all the difference. Checking your boiler and radiators are working as they should, protecting pipes and making sure your home is ready for wetter weather are all simple things you can do before winter sets in.”

For anyone who does find themselves without heating or hot water, British Gas aims to send an engineer out the very same day to those who contact before 11am - and you don’t need to be an existing British Gas customer to get in touch.

1. Check your boiler pressure: Your boiler pressure can drop over time, particularly if your heating hasn’t been used much during the warmer months. Take a quick look at the pressure gauge - when your heating is off and the system is cool, it should usually sit between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it’s looking a little low, check your boiler manual for instructions on how to top it up safely. British Gas HomeCare customers are also eligible for a free annual boiler service, so take advantage of that if you haven’t already.

2. Bleed your radiators: Sometimes, pockets of air can build up inside your radiators, stopping them from heating the room evenly. If you notice the top of your radiators feel cooler than the bottom, switch the system off and let it cool. Then, using a radiator key, gently open the valve at the top to let the air escape before closing it again. Remember to check your boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding your radiators can cause it to drop.

3. Check if your thermostat offers zonal heating: One way to save money on your heating bill is to make the most of zonal heating. Avoid heating rooms you don’t regularly use, such as conservatories or offices that are only needed when you’re working from home and close the doors to stop cold air circulating. Smart thermostats like Hive can also be paired with smart radiator valves so that you can control the temperature in each room directly from your phone.

4. Identify and block any draughts: Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed can help stop heat escaping when temperatures drop. Simple solutions like self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can stop cooler air creeping in, while draught excluders are great for blocking gaps beneath doors. It’s also worth checking smaller openings – inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes that can make a big difference.

5. Arrange furniture to maximise heat: Think carefully about how furniture is arranged so your radiators can work as efficiently as possible. A sofa placed directly in front of a heat source might feel snug, but it can stop heat circulating around the rest of the room. Thicker curtains can help trap warmth around windows and doors, while rugs on bare floors can help keep things cosy underfoot. And when the winter sun does make an appearance, open your curtains and make the most of the natural warmth.

6. Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, often cracking or bursting as the water inside them freezes, so it’s important that you protect them before temperatures plummet. Pay particular attention to pipes in colder areas like lofts, garages and cupboards, and wrap them with inexpensive pipe insulation from a DIY store to help keep the cold out.

7. Know where your stopcock is: A leaking or burst pipe is stressful enough without having to hunt around for the water supply. Take a few minutes to find your stopcock now and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. They’re often found underneath the kitchen sink, but every home is different. Knowing how to quickly turn off your water could help limit the damage if a pipe does burst this winter.

8. Don’t forget what’s above your head: A well-insulated loft can help keep more warmth inside your home, so it’s worth checking yours before winter sets in. Loft insulation should be around 250–270mm deep so if yours falls short, topping it up could help prevent heat escaping through your roof and keep your home feeling warmer.

9. Clear leaves from gutters: Fallen leaves and other debris can block gutters, preventing rainwater from draining away properly and potentially contributing to damp or leaks. Clearing them while conditions are still mild can help protect the property during wetter winter weather. If the gutters aren’t safely accessible, use a professional rather than attempting the job yourself.

10. Check if you qualify for energy support: It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives. The British Gas Energy Trust helps anyone who is struggling with energy debt and is eligible for support, through face-to-face advice, financial support and grants of up to £1,700

For more information on home heating tips or energy-efficient upgrades, please visit https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating.html