British Gas advises Britons to get ready now with a savings hack that could cut energy bills by £75

British Gas is encouraging UK households to prepare for the winter season following a significant rise in emergency calls due to boiler failures. Last winter, over 1.2 million customers required urgent assistance as their heating systems broke down during the harshest months.

Essential Preparations for Winter

With late October approaching, British Gas emphasizes the importance of timely maintenance and preparation. Many households typically turn on their heating for the first time since last winter during this period, which often leads to unexpected issues.

Sunny Solanky, a service and repair engineer with British Gas, advised, “As summer ends, thinking about heating is crucial to prevent problems.” The company’s primary recommendation is to bleed radiators, particularly if the upper sections are cooler than the lower parts. This can be easily remedied using a radiator key to release trapped air.

Energy-Saving Tips

In addition to radiator maintenance, British Gas provides several practical tips to enhance home warmth and efficiency:

• Use self-adhesive foam strips around window and door frames.
• Employ draught excluders to block gaps under doors.
• Install keyhole covers and letterbox brushes to prevent cold air infiltration.
• Ensure furniture is not blocking radiators to optimize heat distribution.
• Utilize thicker curtains and rugs on bare floors to retain warmth.

Insulating pipes is also essential to prevent issues like freezing and bursting when temperatures drop. The idea of “zonal heating” is a recommended strategy, allowing households to heat only occupied rooms, which can significantly reduce energy expenses. Maintaining a thermostat setting between 18°C and 21°C balances comfort with efficiency.

Cost-Effective Heating Adjustments

British Gas emphasizes the importance of boiler maintenance to ensure optimal functioning. Even small changes in heating routines can lead to substantial savings. Recent data shows that small adjustments in thermostat settings can save households around £75 annually, which equates to approximately a 10% reduction in heating costs.

Moreover, strategically scheduling heating times—activating it 15 minutes before waking up and turning it off 30 minutes before bedtime—can help maintain comfort while minimizing wasted energy.

Understanding Current Energy Costs

The energy price cap recently increased slightly in October, with the average annual bill for a dual-fuel household set at £1,755. This amount represents a £35 increase from the previous quarter. The latest cap allows charging gas at 6.29p per kilowatt hour and electricity at 26.35p.

Approximately 20 million households across England, Wales, and Scotland are impacted by this pricing structure. Furthermore, prepayment customers currently enjoy annual bills of about £1,707 for the upcoming months.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Energy Costs

With energy debt reaching a staggering £4.4 billion during the April-June period, campaigners are calling for increased support for struggling households. Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert, advises against passively accepting the new price caps. He urges consumers to explore competitive fixed-rate deals, which may offer lower rates amidst fluctuating wholesale energy prices.

By taking proactive steps now, households can enjoy a more comfortable and cost-effective winter season.