When the weather forecast predicts plummeting temperatures, snow, and ice, our first thought is often our heating. Will it cope? Will the house stay warm? Will my energy bills go through the roof? Extreme winter weather puts our homes, and especially our heating systems, under immense pressure.
At Infinite Heating & Energy we know all about keeping your home warm – Here’s a quick guide with some extra tips to help keep warm at home this winter:
Get Your Boiler Serviced
If you do only one thing to prepare for winter, make it this. An annual boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer is essential. Think of it as an MOT for your heating system. The engineer will inspect and clean key components, check for faults, and ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently.
A well-maintained boiler is far less likely to break down when you need it most. An engineer can spot potential issues before they become major problems.
Bleed Your Radiators
Are some of your radiators cold at the top and warm at the bottom? This is a classic sign that trapped air is preventing hot water from circulating properly making your heating system less efficient.
Bleeding your radiators is a simple DIY job that can make a huge difference. All you need is a radiator key. By releasing the trapped air, you allow the entire radiator to fill with hot water, maximising its heat output and improving overall system efficiency.
Top Up Your Loft Insulation
Heat rises, and in a home with inadequate loft insulation, as much as a quarter of your heating can escape through the roof. Checking your loft is a great starting point for winter-proofing. The recommended depth for mineral wool insulation is currently 270mm. If your insulation is below this level, topping it up is a relatively low-cost, high-impact improvement.
Check Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your heating, but is it working correctly? A faulty thermostat can lead to rooms being too hot or too cold, or cause your boiler to cycle on and off unnecessarily.
Consider upgrading to a modern smart thermostat. These devices offer much greater control over your heating schedule from your smartphone. You can adjust temperatures room by room and ensure the heating is only on when and where you need it. Features like weather responsiveness can automatically adjust your heating based on the forecast, helping you save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Insulate Your Walls
Around a third of the heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the walls. Most homes built after the 1920s have cavity walls, which can be filled with insulation – a quick and straightforward job for a professional installer. If you have an older home with solid walls, both internal and external wall insulation options are available. While a bigger investment, it can dramatically improve your home’s thermal comfort.
Don’t Forget Floors and Pipes
Floors can account for around 15% of heat loss, especially in older homes with suspended timber floors. Insulating underneath the floorboards can make a noticeable difference.
Just as important is insulating your hot water pipes and your boiler’s condensate pipe. Exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like lofts, garages or basements, can lose heat and are vulnerable to freezing. A frozen condensate pipe is a very common cause of boiler shutdowns in winter. Pipe lagging (foam tubing) is cheap, easy to install and can prevent your boiler from cutting out when the temperature drops below zero.
Draught-Proofing: The Simple, Effective Fix
Even in a well-insulated house, cold draughts can make rooms feel uncomfortable and force your heating to work harder. Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to winter-proof your home. Walk around your home and feel for draughts. Common culprits include:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Letterboxes and keyholes
- Cracks in floorboards and skirting boards
- Unused chimneys
Use self-adhesive foam strips for windows and doors, fit a brush or flap on your letterbox and use a keyhole cover. For gaps in floors and skirting, a flexible sealant is an effective solution. If you have an open chimney, a chimney balloon or cap can prevent heat from escaping.
Use Curtains and Blinds Wisely
Your windows are a major source of heat loss. Use thick, thermal-lined curtains to create an extra layer of insulation. Keep them closed at night to trap warmth inside. During the day, open them on sunny days to let the free heat from the sun (known as solar gain) help warm your home.
At Infinite Heating & Energy, we specialise in designing and installing heating solutions that fit your home and your values. From high-efficiency renewable systems like heat pumps to solar panels, our experts can guide you to the perfect choice for your needs. Reach out to us today to arrange a free quotation.