Check inside your home
Within your home, have you...
Checked or serviced your boiler?
If you haven't had your boiler serviced this year, it's a good idea to get this done now.
Having your boiler serviced during 'warmer' weather will give you peace of mind that it's working as it should be, and will ensure your manufacturer's warranty is valid.
Check your boiler's pressure level too, to make sure it's working efficiently.
If the gauge is in the red zone (too high or too low), this can cause your hot water and heating to cut off - or damage your boiler. If the pressure is too high, try bleeding your radiators to relieve some of the pressure.
Have you discovered that your boiler is not working, and is unrepairable? You or your landlord may be eligible for a grant.
Find more information about loans, grants and assistance
Checked your radiators?
'Bleeding' your radiators will ensure that there is no trapped air inside them.
Trapped air can cause poor circulation in your heating system, and may stop your heating system from working effectively.
Check if you need to bleed your radiators by feeling them. If they are cool at the top and hot at the bottom, then they need to be bled.
You could also consider buying insulation tubes, to help prevent heat from escaping as hot water travels through your pipes. They are available to buy online, or from most DIY retailers.
Swept your chimney?
If you have a fireplace in your home, it is recommended that your chimney is swept once a year by a professional cleaner - to remove blockages and excess soot.
If you have a log stove or burner, getting your chimney swept reduces creosote build-up. This will help to improve its efficiency, and prevent fires.
Checked your roof insulation?
Having insulation installed - which serves as a woolly hat for the home - improves its heat retention.
Insulation also helps to stop your pipes from freezing if temperatures become even colder, and can also help reduce your energy bills.
Checked and cleaned your extractor fans?
Extractor fans gather dust. Cleaning them can help to improve their efficiency, and ability to circulate air.
Make sure that they are working properly - especially in more humid rooms, such as the bathroom.