EXPERTS have encouraged all households to carry out two simple jobs before winter which could save them £700.
A study of 2,000 adults found 37 per cent have previously overlooked bleeding their radiators before the first cold snap – making them less efficient and putting unnecessary strain on the boiler.
Experts say winter checks could save up to £700[/caption]
Many put off basic tasks such as draughtproofing before winter arrives[/caption]
And when the temperature finally dropped, 59 per cent said their radiators didn’t work as expected, leading to an average repair bill of £330.
Meanwhile 31 per cent admitted they’ve skipped their annual boiler service, and more than half (52 per cent) of them had it break down once the days got shorter, costing an average of £392 to fix.
The research also revealed many put off other basic tasks, such as checking insulation (23 per cent) and draughtproofing (23 per cent).
And 52 per cent admit they’ve been caught off guard when the cold weather arrives.
To help Brits get set for winter and make the season less of a burden on budgets, Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, teamed up with National Energy Action and Sort Your Life Out’s professional organiser Dilly Carter to release a Winter Prep Checklist.
It features small steps, listed in chronological order, such as checking your boiler, bleeding your radiators, and getting a smart meter installed.
Dilly Carter said: “Taking action now can have a huge impact when the weather turns colder.
“A little prep can go a long way when it comes to getting your home ready for winter – putting a rug on cold floors, servicing your boiler, adding extra DIY draught-proofing and checking your smart meter can help keep the chill out and the bills down.
“That means less hassle when winter arrives.”
The study also found 32 per cent only start preparing for winter when it has already arrived, while 28 per cent deliberately avoid thinking about it so as not to spoil their summer.
In contrast, 36 per cent spend between one and three months getting themselves summer-ready – with 43 per cent planning holidays and 36 per cent shopping for new summer clothes.
But 20 per cent of households now believe winter begins later each year, with 23rd October – exactly a month away – emerging as the average date people recognise the season has arrived.
Yet despite knowing they should be better prepared, 38 per cent admit they forget to do anything while the weather is still mild.
Danni Barnes from National Energy Action said: “We know that for many, reducing costs is challenging, but as we approach winter, there may be small adjustments in how we use our energy that can mean more of what we use can be spent where we most need it.
“Smart meters allow you to better track energy usage, ensure accurate billing and, with more smart tariffs entering the market, you may be able to switch to a smart tariff that can save you money.
“If you are struggling with your energy bills, reach out to your supplier for support.”
The research also revealed 66 per cent feel rising household bills leave them out of control during colder months, and 59 per cent are already worried about the cost of energy this coming winter.
Nearly half (45 per cent) said they’d feel more in control if they knew their energy bills were accurate and only paid for what they used.
But among those with a smart meter installed, 44 per cent said the display gave them more visibility and understanding of their energy use.
While 39 per cent felt it helped them stay in control of their bills.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With only a few weeks to go until Brits feel like winter starts, now is the ideal time to start preparing your home.
“Planning ahead can help you later down the line, as servicing the boiler now, getting a smart meter installed, and participating in an energy reward scheme can all help to ensure energy usage across the winter months is as cost effective as possible.
“This could help you keep your bills down – and avoid those last-minute maintenance costs.”
WINTER PREP CHECKLIST:
● 4-5 weeks before winter: Check your boiler – turn it on and take note of any warning codes or funny noises. Make sure you get it serviced by a professional once a year to ensure it’ll run efficiently throughout winter. This could save you from spending extra on emergency call-outs or last-minute repairs.
● 4 weeks before winter: Think about lowering your boiler’s flow temperature – this helps make your boiler run more efficiently but keeps your water hot when needed. Find out how HERE.
● 3 weeks before winter: Check the settings on your heating and hot water timer. You can programme it to turn off while you are out or asleep and set it to come on just before you return home or wake up, keeping the temperature comfortable.
● 2 weeks before winter: You may need to bleed your radiators every few months. Bleed them now and check they’re working effectively. Then in the winter, check them every few weeks when you’re walking past. If the heating is on but the top of the radiator is cold, it’s time to bleed them.
● 1 week before winter: Taking care of draughts before the temperatures drop means you’ll stay warmer and save on heating costs once winter sets in. Draught excluders are a simple, low-cost way to stop the chill sneaking in through gaps around doors and windows. You can buy them from home or hardware shops, or you can make your own using rolled-up blankets, socks, or old jumpers.
● During winter: Once the chilly nights are here, try to keep your home between 18 and 21 degrees. Don’t replace your central heating with electric heaters – it could cost you more.
