How to winter-proof your home: quick tips to keep warm and cut energy bills

Most homes lose heat, and money, through the same weak spots: draughty doors and windows, under-insulated lofts and heating that works harder than it needs to. Lots of the fixes are cheap, quick and easy to do yourself. This guide runs through simple ways to keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower this winter.

Why winter-proof your home?

Winter-proofing your home means preparing your home for winter, so you can keep out cold air, lower heating bills and prevent weather-related damage.

Ofgem’s energy price cap rose to £1,723 a year for a typical dual fuel household from 1 October 2026. Experts predict the cap will rise again in January 2027. With energy bills rising, every bit of warmth you can keep inside your home counts.

Lower energy bills

Under the current energy price cap (1 October 2026 – 31 December 2026), electricity costs an average of 26.32p per kWh and gas an average of 7.97p per kWh for households on standard variable tariffs paying by Direct Debit.

Reducing heat loss is one of the simplest ways to cut costs. Small changes – draught proofing, bleeding radiators, using heating controls properly – can trim your usage without sacrificing your comfort.

A warmer, more comfortable home

Winterproofing can mean no more cold spots, chilly hallways or icy bedrooms. If it’s your first winter in a new home, this is a great way to get to know how it behaves in the cold.

Preventing costly winter damage

Frozen pipes, blocked gutters and loose roof tiles can lead to leaks, damp and structural issues. A few preventative checks can save you hundreds of pounds in repairs.

A smaller carbon footprint

Using less energy means fewer emissions – and many improvements, like insulation and glazing, also boost your EPC rating. By saving energy you not only reduce your bills, but you can do your bit for the planet too.

Insulate your pipes and prevent frozen pipes

Burst pipes are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to prevent.

Lagging pipes and water tanks

Pipe lagging is cheap and quick to fit. Cut foam pipe insulation to length, wrap it round the pipe and tape the joins. Do the same for any water tank in your loft.

Which pipes are most at risk

Any pipe in an unheated space is vulnerable. Pay particular attention to:

• Loft and attic pipes

• Pipes in external walls

• Pipes in basements, garages and utility rooms

What to do if a pipe freezes or bursts

If a pipe freezes, turn off your water at the stopcock and open the taps. Thaw it slowly with a hot water bottle or warm towels. Never use a naked flame. If a pipe bursts, turn off the water straight away, then call a plumber.

Know where your stopcock is

Find your stopcock now, before you need it. It’s usually under the kitchen sink. Check that it turns easily and everyone who lives in your home knows where it is. This is your emergency move, should a pipe burst, as it turns off your water across the whole house.

Bleed your radiators and boost their output

Trapped air stops radiators heating up properly. Bleeding them lets it all out, so your home warms up faster.

How to tell if a radiator needs bleeding

Is the top cold while the bottom is warm? Does it gurgle? Then it probably needs bleeding.

How to bleed a radiator step by step

1. Turn your heating off and let the radiators cool.

2. Hold a cloth under the bleed valve at the top corner.

3. Use a radiator key to turn the valve a quarter turn anticlockwise.

4. Listen for the hiss of air. Close the valve when water starts to appear.

5. Check your boiler pressure and top it up if it’s dropped.

Radiator reflector panels

Reflective foil panels behind radiators on external walls can reduce heat loss. They’re cheap and easy to fit.

Keeping radiators clear of furniture

Sofas and curtains in front of a radiator soak up heat. Move them back a little and the room will feel warmer.

Get your boiler serviced

An annual service helps your boiler run safely and efficiently. It can also spot small problems before they leave you without heating on a cold January day.

Why an annual service matters

A well-kept boiler uses less fuel and is less likely to break down. Some warranties only remain valid if you have your boiler serviced each year.

Using a Gas Safe registered engineer

Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for a gas boiler. Please don’t try to service your boiler yourself. It’s dangerous, and it’s against the law for anyone who isn’t registered. Ask to see their ID card and check them on the Gas Safe Register.

When to book before winter

Aim for early autumn to avoid peak demand and ensure your heating is ready for the first cold snap. Plumbers and heating engineers tend to be busier dealing with breakdowns when it gets colder.

Checking boiler pressure and carbon monoxide alarms

Look at your boiler pressure gauge each month. Your manual will show the right level. Test your carbon monoxide alarm too, and change the batteries if needed.

Make the most of your heating controls

Getting the most from your heating isn’t about turning it up. It’s about using it smartly.

Thermostats and timers

Set your thermostat to a comfortable level and use timers to heat your home only when needed. For example, you might time it to come on shortly before you get up or get home, and to switch off when you’re out or in bed.

Thermostatic radiator valves

These let you set the temperature room-by-room. Keep bedrooms cooler and the living room cosier. If you work from home in one room, you can save energy by turning off all the other radiators during the day.

Smart heating controls

There’s no need to run around your house turning things on and off if you have smart heating controls – you can do it all from your phone. Gone out and left the heating on? You can turn it off by a few clicks on an app.