10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Colder Months and Cut Heating Costs

With September bringing cooler evenings, now is the ideal time to make small changes that will help your home stay warm and your energy bills stay manageable in the months ahead. 

Acting early allows you to spread costs, avoid the seasonal rush for tradespeople, and make sure your heating system runs efficiently before demand rises. Energy experts at the #1 independent fuel distributor, Your NRG, share ten practical tips for getting started.

1. Service your boiler

“Booking a boiler service in September means you can fix any issues before you need the heating on daily and often at a lower cost than during peak season,” say energy experts at Your NRG.

2. Bleed your radiators

“Trapped air stops radiators heating properly and forces your boiler to work harder. Bleeding them in early autumn improves efficiency straight away.”

3. Check your boiler pressure

“Low or high pressure affects performance. For most systems, the pressure should be between 1 to 1.5 when off and 1.5 to 2 when in use.”

4. Fit draught excluders

 “A simple draught excluder for doors or adhesive strips for windows can help keep cooler air out and reduce heat loss.”

5. Upgrade to thermal curtains

“Even a budget-friendly set will help trap warmth on cooler evenings and prevent heat escaping through glass.”

6. Install reflective radiator panels

“These reflect heat back into the room rather than letting it seep into external walls, helping your heating work more efficiently.”

7. Seal gaps and cracks

“Using sealant to close gaps around windows, doors and skirting boards prevents draughts and keeps temperatures more consistent.”

8. Add rugs to hard floors

“Rugs provide extra insulation underfoot and help reduce heat loss through floors, particularly in rooms above unheated spaces.”

9. Test your heating early

 “Turning your heating on for a couple of hours in September allows you to spot any faults and arrange repairs before you need it regularly.”

10. Check your insulation

“Up to a quarter of a home’s heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. Adding or topping up loft insulation before colder weather arrives maximises energy savings.”

The experts stress that early preparation is key. “By making these small changes in September, you improve efficiency, avoid last-minute repairs and enjoy greater comfort as the season changes.”