By Islam El-Sakka
After a hot summer, attention turns to preparing homes for colder weather. With energy price cap increases and further rises expected in January, acting now can yield significant savings when cold spells hit.
Book Annual Boiler Service
Sustainability expert Simon Bones, founder of retrofit company Genous, recommends scheduling a boiler service now while heating is not yet needed. An annual service ensures the boiler operates efficiently, pressure is correct, and potential issues are caught early. Bones stresses using a Gas Safe registered engineer, findable via the Gas Safe Register website. He also notes that heat pumps require longer lead times for installation than gas boilers, so planning ahead is wise.
Ensure Radiators Function Properly
Radiators can accumulate dust and fluff, reducing their output. Bones advises cleaning convector fins and panels using a hair dryer on a cool setting or a radiator brush. Trapped air should be released by bleeding radiators: when cold, slowly open the vent with a radiator key, catch drips, and close once water flows steadily. This ensures even heating and efficiency.
Consider Major Upgrades for Greater Savings
For substantial bill reductions, Bones suggests investing in solar photovoltaic panels, a heat pump, or both, ideally combined with a time-of-use electricity tariff and home battery. Households replacing oil or LPG heating with a heat pump can access the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, currently offering £9,000. That grant drops by £1,500 in April 2027, while other fossil fuel systems remain eligible for £7,500. Solar panels generate electricity even in winter, and batteries store excess for later use.
Check Loft Insulation
Insulation acts as a barrier against heat loss. Bones recommends verifying that loft insulation is even and at least 300mm deep. Topping up is worthwhile if depth is 150mm or less, but care must be taken not to block roof ventilation. Professional installation is advised for DIYers unsure about ventilation requirements.
Review Energy Tariffs
With the energy price cap up 4 percent, Bones urges consumers to check their current tariff and shop around. Suppliers are not obligated to inform customers of better rates, and fixed tariffs may still be advantageous. Heating oil and LPG have no price cap. Switching suppliers or tariffs can save money without changing usage habits.
