By Ahmed Abdelsalam
After a scorching summer, the focus is shifting to keeping homes warm ahead of colder weather. With the energy price cap increase and bills set to rise again in January, taking action now will yield significant benefits when cold spells strike. Simon Bones, a leading sustainability expert and founder of intelligent retrofit company Genous, has shared his top tips for keeping your home warm and cost-effective.
Book annual boiler service
Bones advises booking a boiler service now while the weather is still warm enough that heating is not needed. Boilers of any type are dangerous if not properly maintained, and an annual service ensures they work efficiently, pressure is correct, and no problems are looming. He stresses using a Gas Safe registered engineer, findable via the Gas Safe Register website. If a boiler is nearing the end of its life and a heat pump is desired, planning ahead is crucial because heat pumps take longer to install than a gas boiler replacement.
Ensure radiators function properly
Radiators can accumulate fluff and dust, reducing their potential. For radiators with convector fins and panels on either side, cleaning is essential. Bones suggests using a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow dust down and out, or a radiator brush. Trapped air should be bled using a radiator key: slowly open the vent, catch drips with a rag, listen for air escaping, then close once water drips steadily. This ensures even heat distribution when heating returns.
Upgrade with solar panels or heat pump
To significantly change bills, investment is often necessary. The biggest changes are solar photovoltaic panels (more effective than solar thermal), a heat pump, or both combined for greatest energy savings. Pairing with a time-of-use electricity tariff and home battery maximizes benefits. Replacing oil or LPG heating with a heat pump qualifies for the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, now offering £9,000 towards switching to renewables. Acting before April 2027 avoids a £1,500 reduction in the grant. Other fossil fuel systems remain eligible for £7,500. Solar still generates electricity in winter, and a battery stores excess for later use.
Check loft insulation
Insulation acts as a barrier against heat loss. If loft ventilation causes loosely packed insulation to blow about, heat escapes. Bones recommends checking existing insulation for evenness and depth; ideally 300mm deep. Topping up is worthwhile if depth is 150mm or less, using a professional or ensuring DIY does not block roof ventilation. Uninsulated lofts are well worth the investment.
Review energy tariffs
With the energy price cap up 4 per cent, Bones urges attention to tariffs. Shopping around between suppliers can pay off, and you may not be on the best rate your own provider offers. Fixed tariffs might be good, but energy companies are not obliged to inform you of better rates. Heating oil and LPG have no price cap. Comparing tariffs annually, like car insurance, is "free money" – not changing usage, just avoiding overpayment.
