An expert has shared his tips for combating problems with broken boilers and heating as temperatures are expected to hit freezing this week.
The first cold weather alerts have been issued for parts of England as Arctic air is due to sweep into the country.
Widespread frost is predicted in the coming days, with temperatures forecast to fall as low as -1C in cities such as Manchester.
Meanwhile, far northern areas could see sleet and snow, with strong winds adding to the bitter chill.
More than 40,000 households are expected to be affected as the UK experiences its first cold snap of the autumn.
Now, Peter Knowles, a British Gas service and repair engineer, has shared practical tips to help homeowners keep their homes warm and comfortable.
He recommends starting with the basics, including checking your boiler pressure, which can drop over time, particularly if it's not used over a long period.
A normal pressure gauge reading, when the heating is off and the system is cool, is between 1 and 1.5 - anything less should be checked out.
You should also see if your radiators feel cooler at the top, as this could be a symptom of trapped air which can stop them from heating properly.
If this is the case, once the heating is turned off and the system has cooled down, use a radiator key to release the air, then check your boiler pressure afterwards, as bleeding radiators can cause it to drop.
Moving furniture away from radiators, closing doors to unused rooms and taking advantage of zonal heating can all help, while draught excluders, window seals, thicker curtains and rugs prevent precious warmth escaping.
Smart thermostats can be helpful when paired with smart radiator valves, as it’s possible to control the temperature in each room via a mobile phone.
He also advises checking for draughts around windows and doors because gaps allow heat to escape when temperatures drop.
Self-adhesive foam strips and draught excluders are a great way to keep warmth in, while inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes for smaller gaps.
It’s also worth considering how furniture is arranged, as while a sofa directly in front of a heat source seems like a good way to get warm, it can also stop the heat from circulating through the rest of the room.
While thicker curtains trap warm air around the windows and doors, rugs provide it underfoot, and opening the curtains when the winter sun is out can bring in some natural warmth.
Homeowners should also protect pipes in colder areas such as lofts and garages - and make sure everyone knows where the stopcock is in case a pipe freezes or bursts.
A preventative measure is wrapping exposed pipes with insulation, as it helps reduce the risk of them freezing, cracking or bursting during cold weather, and it can be sourced inexpensively at a DIY shop.
Another helpful thing to know is where your stopcock is because it can also help you act quickly if a pipe bursts.
It’s often found underneath the kitchen sink, although this varies between homes, so make sure you and anyone you live with know where it is and how to turn it off to limit any damage.
Checking your loft insulation can also have a significant impact.
If the insulation is below the recommended 250–270mm depth, topping it up could help your home retain heat more effectively.
It’s also worth checking gutters for fallen leaves and other debris before winter weather sets in.
Often overlooked, blocked gutters can prevent rainwater from draining properly, potentially contributing to damp or leaks.
Finally, anyone struggling with energy debt may be able to access additional support, as the British Gas Energy Trust offers eligible people face-to-face advice, financial support and grants of up to £1,700.
Peter Knowles added: “Colder temperatures and unpredictable weather can put extra pressure on our homes, so it’s important not to put off those essential maintenance jobs.
“For anyone who does find themselves without heating or hot water, this home and energy provider 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 customer to get in touch.”
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