British Gas has issued warnings for UK homes this week amid impending snow storm. (Image: Getty)
A is set to fall across parts of the UK as a band of blustery conditions sweeps the nation.
Energy supplier British Gas has warned that over 40,000 houses across the country will need help in protecting their homes against the elements as heating and hot water systems could be affected.
Stormy weather will bring unsettled conditions from Friday, and British Gas urges households to check their pipes in advance to avoid any issues.
Water turning to ice can lead to cracks or bursts, leaving homes without supply.
British Gas service and repair engineer, Dinesh Kumar, has issued 11 top tips to prepare homes for the snow and ice this week.
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Freezing temperatures continue to grip the country this week. (Image: Getty)
Carefully check your pipes: Frozen pipes can often lead to cracks or bursts when water inside turns to ice. If you suspect your pipes might be frozen, slowly pour hot (but never boiling) water over the frozen pipe and place a hot water bottle over it to melt away the ice.
Bleed your radiators: Air can get trapped in the system, forming bubbles at the top of the radiators and reducing their efficiency. If you feel cold spots near the top, turn the radiators off and allow them to cool. Then, use a radiator key to open the valve at the top and release the trapped air.
Block out the cold: Checking your windows and doors are free from draughts could save you around £60 a year. Easy-to-apply self-adhesive foam strips around windows can help prevent cold air from passing through, and draught excluders work wonders for gaps under doors – don’t forget about your keyhole and letterbox, too.
Arrange furniture for warmth: Carefully consider the location of your furniture around your heat sources and ensure your radiators can function optimally. Positioning your sofa directly in front of a radiator will absorb most heat that could otherwise warm the rest of the room. Heavy curtains and rugs also play an important role – thicker materials keep heat from escaping through windows and doors.
Turn off radiators in unused rooms: If you know a room won’t be in use, 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.
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British Gas urges Brits to check their pipes ahead of the weekend. (Image: Getty)
Insulate your pipes: The best solution is to prevent freezing in the first place. Insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store can prevent heat loss, helping to avoid expensive repairs.
Optimize your thermostat: Set your main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C to save around 10% on your heating bills. For an average household, lowering the temperature by just one degree could save you about £115 a year.
Prepare your heating for bedtime: Programme your heating to come on 15 minutes before you wake up and turn it off 30 minutes before you go to bed. This can reduce energy costs and even improve your sleep.
Embrace smart thermostats: Smart technology like programmable thermostats allows you to control your heating remotely, saving money by preventing the heat from coming on when you’re delayed or away.
Give your boiler some TLC: Regular maintenance and servicing can help avoid future problems. Some tasks, like adjusting the boiler pressure, can be done yourself, but for servicing, broken boilers, or anything you are unsure of, you should contact a qualified .
Check if you qualify for energy support: See if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives. The British Gas Energy Trust offers face-to-face advice, financial support, and grants of up to £1,700 (even if you’re not a customer).