As the days grow shorter and a chill fills the air, it's time to consider how to prepare your home for the challenges of winter. Experts suggest a proactive approach, highlighting a few simple tasks that, when completed before the deep cold sets in, can significantly impact your comfort and wallet. Addressing these essential home maintenance items could potentially save you up to £700, making the winter months far less stressful.
A survey involving 2,000 adults revealed a concerning oversight among homeowners. Over a third (37%) admitted to neglecting the crucial task of bleeding their radiators before the onset of the first cold spell. This simple process, often overlooked, ensures that radiators function efficiently. Failing to bleed radiators can put unnecessary strain on your boiler and decrease overall heating efficiency.
Ignoring these essential winter checks can translate into financial losses. The survey data suggests that the cumulative effect of radiator inefficiency, boiler neglect, and poor insulation contributes to significant energy waste. Addressing these issues proactively can translate into considerable savings over the winter months. The figure of £700 is just an estimate, but the potential for savings is real.
Many homeowners postpone essential tasks like draughtproofing until winter is already upon them. Procrastination in addressing these areas of your home can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort throughout the cold season. Addressing these tasks proactively prevents cold air from entering your home, and keeps the warm air from escaping.
According to the study, when the temperature finally plummets, 59% of respondents reported that their radiators did not perform as expected. This malfunction often leads to an average repair bill of £330. This cost could easily be avoided with routine maintenance.
Boiler maintenance is another critical aspect often disregarded. A staggering 31% of homeowners confessed to skipping their annual boiler service. The consequences can be severe. Over half (52%) of those who skipped this vital service experienced a boiler breakdown once the days shortened, resulting in an average repair cost of £392.
The survey also brought to light other overlooked tasks. A significant number of participants admitted to neglecting essential home maintenance checks such as insulation (23%) and draughtproofing (23%). Insulation prevents heat loss through the walls, roof, and floors of your home, while draughtproofing prevents cold air from entering through gaps around windows and doors.
A significant percentage, 52%, concede they are frequently caught off guard when the cold weather arrives. This lack of preparedness often leads to rushed and potentially more expensive solutions. Taking the necessary steps before the weather turns guarantees a smooth and cost effective winter.
To help households get ready for winter and ease the financial burden of the season, Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the study, has teamed up with experts such as Sort Your Life Out’s professional organizer, Dilly Carter. Together, they have released a comprehensive Winter Prep Checklist.
This checklist provides a chronological guide of small but important steps, starting with checking your boiler, bleeding your radiators, and considering the installation of a smart meter. Each step is designed to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your energy bills.
Dilly Carter emphasizes the importance of proactive action, stating, "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 winter-ready – 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."
Carter further stresses that, "That means less hassle when winter arrives." Preparing your home ahead of time not only saves money but also reduces the stress and inconvenience associated with unexpected breakdowns and high energy bills during the coldest months.
The research also revealed that a substantial 32% of people only begin preparing for winter once it has already arrived, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach. Furthermore, 28% deliberately avoid thinking about winter to prolong the feeling of summer, a strategy that ultimately leaves them unprepared.
This contrasts sharply with the preparation people undertake for summer. Approximately 36% spend between one and three months getting ready for summer, with 43% planning vacations and 36% shopping for new summer clothing. This disparity highlights a significant difference in how people approach seasonal preparations.
Interestingly, 20% of households now believe that winter begins later each year. According to the data, October 23rd – approximately a month away – is identified as the average date when people recognize that winter has arrived. This delayed perception can contribute to procrastination in winter preparations.
Despite knowing they should be better prepared, 38% admit to forgetting to take any action while the weather is still mild. This oversight can lead to a scramble to address issues once the cold weather sets in, often resulting in higher costs and greater inconvenience.
Danni Barnes from National Energy Action offers practical advice: "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."
Barnes highlights the benefits of smart meters: "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 money. If you’re struggling, reach out to your supplier for support."
The research underscores the financial anxiety many households face during the colder months. A significant 66% feel that rising household bills leave them feeling out of control, and 59% are already worried about the cost of energy this coming winter.
Nearly half (45%) expressed that they would feel more in control if they knew their energy bills were accurate and they only paid for what they used. This sentiment highlights the need for greater transparency and control over energy consumption.
Among those who have installed a smart meter, 44% reported that the display provided them with greater visibility and understanding of their energy use, leading to better awareness and management of their consumption patterns. A smart meter helps you to identify areas where you can reduce your energy consumption.
Furthermore, 39% felt that smart meters helped them stay in control of their bills, providing them with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about their energy usage and reduce costs.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation: "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."
Bacon concludes, "This could help you keep your bills down – and avoid those last-minute maintenance costs." Taking these steps now can save you money and stress in the long run.