How to winter proof your home and save money on the bills

A change in the weather inevitably means an adjustment in the home; especially when it comes to keeping the heat in and the cold out.

The arrival of the colder weather brings with it a host of niggly tweaks that may be needed to winter proof your home – and your pocket.

There are many clever tips which will help you save money on your bills, and for those jobs that you cannot safely or confidently carry out yourself; there is a tried and test tradesperson available at Safe Local Trades

Avoid a November nightmare or December disaster by: 

• Checking all external pipes for breaks, leaks, and blockages. Blocked or leaking pipes can freeze during the cold months, then expand and burst – causing potentially expensive water damage.
• Thinking about insulation. A properly insulated property is an absolute must. Make sure that you check the basics, starting with obvious draft points. Invest in some draft excluder to keep doors and windows secure. Check the cladding around your boiler and pipes, and make sure that taps and faucets don’t leak.
• Bleeding your radiators. A great way to warm up your property is to bleed the radiators. This releases any trapped air, allowing hot water to fill every part of your radiator and warm the property more efficiently.
• Getting a boiler service. Arrange for a professional to service your boiler each year. As everyone starts to switch on or boost their central heating, the surge in gas consumption can lead to a big increase in boiler breakdowns.
• Clearing out your gutters. In autumn, leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blocks and overflows - so it’s best to clean them regularly. Consider investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent your gutters becoming blocked in future.
• Sweeping your chimney. If your chimneys are in use, make sure that they get swept every year. This will remove the build-up of dirt and grime from your chimney walls.

For some other great tips on saving energy, visit Energy Saving Trust 

Did you know? 

• Turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save around £60 a year. 

• A fully draught proof home could save around £25 a year. Don’t forget to keep doors closed in rooms you are using to keep the heat in. 

• Boilers account for around 55 per cent of what is spent on energy bills in a year.   

• Turning off the lights will lead to a £15 a year saving but switching to LED bulbs will save £40 a year.