British Gas urges homeowners to prepare heating for winter

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 19:27 · Archive

British Gas is advising households to check their heating systems as temperatures drop and people switch boilers back on.

As temperatures drop this week, British Gas is advising UK households to prepare their heating systems for winter. The unusually mild start to the colder months allowed many people to delay putting their heating on regularly, but the company says now is the time to check that central heating is working well.

Peter Knowles, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said the week marks when households across the UK switch their boilers back on for the season. He emphasized that keeping boilers well-maintained is vital to cope with winter's demands, and that small adjustments around the home can help cut costs and prevent unnecessary energy use.

British Gas recommends five measures. Radiators that are hot at the bottom but cold at the top may have trapped air inside, preventing hot water from circulating properly. The company advises turning the heating off, allowing it to cool, then using a radiator key to open the valve and release the air before closing it again.

Draught-proofing doors and windows is another key step. Sealing these properly can prevent heat from escaping and could cut energy bills by as much as £60 a year. The company also recommends ensuring furniture is not blocking radiators and preventing heat from circulating through rooms.

The advice comes as British households face the demands of heating their homes through the winter months ahead.

How it is being reported

• British Gas' urgent November warning urging homeowners to actBritish households have waited longer than ever to turn up their thermostats this year.This Is Wiltshire · 9 Nov, 18:51
• British Gas' urgent November warning urging homeowners to actBritish households have waited longer than ever to turn up their thermostats this year.Gazette & Herald · 9 Nov, 18:51
• British Gas' urgent November warning urging homeowners to actBritish households have waited longer than ever to turn up their thermostats this year.Swindon Advertiser · 9 Nov, 18:51
• British Gas' urgent November warning urging homeowners to actBritish households have waited longer than ever to turn up their thermostats this year.Wiltshire Times · 9 Nov, 18:51

In this story: British Gas · Peter Knowles · UK

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