Today, the Met Office shared warnings for snow and ice still in place for parts of the UK. Meaning a lot of homeowners must brace for another deep freeze.
However, to help Brits cope with the drop in temperature, British Gas engineer, Joanna Flowers, has shared some practical tips to help households keep their homes warm and safe this winter while also saving on energy bills.
With warnings for snow and ice still in place for parts of the UK for today and tomorrow.
Here are some helpful tips from our partners to help you stay #WeatherReady if you are travelling.
Snow👉https://t.co/uVDoAfORUs
Ice👉 https://t.co/9Z91pkm1BO pic.twitter.com/1KjcPdcJqP— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2026
10 tips for staying warm in your home:
Bleed your radiators: Sometimes, pockets of air can build up inside your radiators, stopping them from heating the room evenly. If you notice the top of your radiators feel cooler than the bottom, switch the system off and let it cool. Then, using a radiator key, gently open the valve at the top to let the air escape before closing it again.
Keep draughts at bay: Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed can help reduce heat loss and lower energy bills by up to £60 a year. Simple solutions like self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can stop cooler air creeping in, while draught excluders are great for blocking gaps beneath doors. It’s also worth checking smaller openings – inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick fixes that make a big difference.
Make the most of your home’s heat: Think carefully about how furniture is arranged in your home so radiators can do their job to the best of their ability. A sofa placed directly in front of a heat source might feel snug, but it stops heat from circulating around the rest of the room. Meanwhile, using thicker curtains helps trap warmth at windows and doors and laying rugs on bare floors can reduce the heat escaping through the ground. And when the sun is shining, remember to open your curtains to let in natural warmth.
Embrace zonal heating: To save money, avoid heating rooms you aren’t using, for example, conservatories or offices that are only needed when you’re working from home. Make sure to switch off the radiator and close the door to prevent cold air from moving through the rest of the house. When you need the room again, turn the radiator back on ahead of time to heat it up.
Insulate your pipes: Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, often cracking or bursting when water turns to ice. The simplest way to avoid costly repairs is to stop them from freezing in the first place. Wrapping pipes with inexpensive insulation from a DIY store helps retain warmth and reduce heat loss.
Find your ideal temperature: When the cold sets in, turning up the thermostat might seem like the quickest fix, but keeping it set between 18°C and 21°C is both comfortable and cost-effective. Even a small change makes a difference – reducing the temperature by just one degree could trim around 10% off your heating costs, saving the average household roughly £75 a year.
Set your heating to suit your routine: Scheduling your heating can help you save energy without sacrificing comfort. Try setting it to switch on about 15 minutes before you get up and to turn off half an hour before bedtime. This not only cuts down on costs but can also support a better night’s sleep. At night, you can further reduce waste by lowering the temperature in rooms that aren’t in use.
Embrace smart thermostats: Winter is the peak season for energy usage, so take advantage of technology like smart thermostats. These allow you to control your heating at the click of a button and track your spending, helping to save money in the process.
Give your boiler some TLC: It’s often the case that many people don’t think about their boiler until it breaks down – but regular maintenance can help avoid future potential problems altogether.
Check if you qualify for energy support: It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives. British Gas customers could be eligible for up to £2,000 support with their energy bills from its Energy Support Fund. Many energy providers also have assistance funds to help with energy costs.
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