British Gas wants people to act now
Millions of people have been urged to “prepare now” following alerts that heating and hot-water systems face the threat of breaking down when temperatures plummet. British Gas revealed that more than 1.2 million homes required engineer call-outs last winter following boiler failures, frequently just as the coldest weather arrived.
With many Brits holding off until late October or until it becomes consistently cold (below 9°C for four consecutive days) to reactivate their heating, the energy giant cautions that’s precisely when hidden faults typically emerge.
Each autumn, as households reluctantly switch their heating systems back on, concealed faults in boilers and pipes often come to light – leaks, blockages, or deteriorated components that remained dormant throughout summer.
With engineers experiencing high demand during peak cold spells, delays accumulate, leaving people waiting in freezing conditions for a repair.
“Now that summer is behind us … many people will be thinking about turning their heating back on … that’s often when unwanted issues can appear,” says Sunny Solanky, a British Gas service engineer.
He notes that a few straightforward checks and modifications now can prevent misery – and expense – later.
Among the suggestions:
- Bleed your radiators if the upper section feels cooler than the lower section – that’s a clear indication of trapped air.
- Seal openings around windows and doors using foam strips, employ draught excluders, letterbox brushes and keyhole covers.
- Avoid blocking radiators with furniture.
- Utilise heavier curtains, rugs on bare floors, and zone your heating (i.e. only heat rooms in use). Ensure your pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting during chilly periods.
- Maintain your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C – reducing it by just 1°C could decrease heating expenses by approximately 10%, potentially saving the average household £75 annually.
- Set your heating to start roughly 15 minutes before you rise and turn off about half an hour before you hit the hay.