How to Keep Your Home Warm and Pipes Flowing This Winter

Winter is fast approaching, and while the season brings festive cheer and cozy nights in, it can also bring some unwanted challenges for homeowners. Ensuring your heating system is ready for the colder months and protecting your plumbing from freezing temperatures is essential for a hassle-free winter. In this post, we’ll share some tips to help you keep your home warm and avoid costly repairs.

1. Keep your home warm by getting your boiler serviced.

One of the best things you can do before the cold weather hits is to have your boiler serviced by a qualified heating engineer. Regular servicing ensures that your boiler is working efficiently and reduces the chances of a breakdown when you need it most. A well-maintained boiler can also help lower your energy bills by running more efficiently, meaning you save money over the winter.

Signs your boiler might need a service:

Unusual noises like banging or whistling
Radiators are not heating evenly
Pilot light going out frequently
Sudden increases in energy bills
If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to get your boiler checked right away.

Make sure your boiler service engineer is qualifed and registered to work on your homes fuel- Gas safe for gas and LPG, F-gas for Air conditioning and Oftec for Oil

2. keep your home warm by bleeding your radiators

Do your radiators feel warm at the bottom but cold at the top? This is a sign that there may be air trapped inside, preventing the hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding your radiators can help release this air and ensure they’re heating your home as efficiently as possible.

How to bleed a radiator:

Turn off your central heating system.
Use a radiator key to slowly open the bleed valve.
Once the trapped air has escaped, you’ll see a steady stream of water. That’s your signal to close the valve.
Check the boiler’s pressure afterward and top it up if needed.
It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in keeping your home warm.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most common plumbing problems during winter is frozen pipes. When the water inside the pipes freezes, it can expand and lead to bursts – causing serious damage and expensive repairs. To prevent this, insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the attic, garage, or external walls.

You can use foam pipe insulation, which is inexpensive and easy to install. Make sure all joints and bends are covered to give your pipes full protection.

4. keep your home warm by checking your thermostat settings

If you have a programmable thermostat, now is a great time to review your heating schedule. Set the thermostat to keep your home warm during the hours you’re there and dial it back while you’re away or sleeping. Smart thermostats can also help monitor energy use and make adjustments based on your routine, optimizing efficiency and saving on energy bills.

5. Keep Your home warm if You’re Away

If you’re going away for a few days over winter, avoid turning your heating off completely. A sudden cold snap could freeze your pipes while you’re gone. Instead, set your heating to a low temperature (about 12-15°C) to keep your home’s temperature above freezing.

You can also leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

6. Know Where Your Stopcock Is

In case of a plumbing emergency, like a burst pipe, you’ll want to know exactly where your stopcock is. The stopcock controls the water supply to your home, and turning it off quickly can prevent water damage. It’s usually located under the kitchen sink or in a utility area. Take the time to locate it now, and you’ll save yourself valuable time later.

7. Keep your home warm by considering upgrading your boiler

If your boiler is over 10 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Modern boilers are designed to use less energy, reduce carbon emissions, and keep your home warm more effectively. While the upfront cost may seem high, the savings on your energy bills over time can make it a worthwhile investment. Why not take a look at our Instant Online quoting system to see how much your new boiler will cost.

Conclusion

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your plumbing and heating systems run smoothly this winter. Whether it’s scheduling a boiler service, insulating your pipes, or upgrading to a more efficient heating system, these simple steps can save you from the stress of emergency repairs and help you stay warm when it counts.

If you need help with any plumbing or heating issues, from boiler servicing to pipe insulation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert engineers are on hand to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Contact Us Today:
J & S Plumbing and Heating
Phone: 01522708208
Email: sales@jasplumbingandheating.co.uk
Website: jasplumbingandheating.co.uk