Households are being urged to spend just five minutes checking their home before temperatures begin to fall, with energy experts warning that a few simple jobs now could help reduce heating bills over the coming months.
As autumn approaches and many families prepare to switch their heating back on after the summer, experts at Your NRG say taking a few preventative steps before colder weather arrives could make homes more energy efficient and help avoid unnecessary energy waste.
Gordon Wallis, Energy Expert at Your NRG, said:
"Many people don't think about their heating until the first cold spell arrives, but carrying out a few simple checks beforehand could make a noticeable difference to both comfort and energy use throughout autumn and winter.
"Spending just five minutes walking around your home now could help identify small issues that, if left unresolved, may end up costing more once the heating is switched back on.
"Something as simple as closing gaps around doors and windows, making sure radiators aren't blocked by furniture or checking your boiler pressure can all help your heating system work more efficiently.
"The earlier these jobs are done, the better. Once temperatures begin to drop, heating systems often work much harder, meaning any wasted heat can quickly add up over the course of the season.
"These aren't expensive improvements either. Most households can carry out the checks themselves without spending any money, making them an easy win before autumn really begins."
According to Your NRG, homeowners should carry out five simple checks before the weather turns colder:
Check for draughts
Walk around external doors and windows to see if you can feel any draughts. Sealing small gaps can help prevent warm air escaping once the heating is back on.
Move furniture away from radiators
Large sofas, cabinets and curtains can block heat from circulating around a room, forcing the heating to work harder than necessary.
Check your boiler pressure
Low boiler pressure can reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Most boilers have a pressure gauge that should sit within the manufacturer's recommended range.
Bleed radiators if needed
If radiators have cold spots at the top, trapped air may be preventing them from heating properly.
Check heating controls
Testing your thermostat and heating controls before colder weather arrives means you'll have time to resolve any issues before you rely on your heating every day.
Wallis added: "It's easy to put these jobs off because they don't seem urgent during the summer, but they're exactly the sort of small maintenance tasks that can make your home feel warmer while helping your heating system work as efficiently as possible.
"The goal isn't to stop using your heating altogether. It's about making sure every pound you spend on energy is working as hard as it can once the colder weather arrives."
