How to keep your home warm in winter

During the cold winter months, there's nothing quite like the comfort of returning to a warm and cosy home after a long day.

But with the cost of living crisis continuing to impact people living up and down the UK, many of us are searching for ways to avoid cranking up the central heating.

In this guide, we explore some of the most effective ways you can keep your home warm this winter. From protecting your central heating system and using smart technologies to installing all-important insulation, our experts will walk you through what you can do today to make sure Jack Frost stays outside where he belongs.

Tips for keeping your house warm this winter

1. Upgrade to a smart thermostat

Upgrade your home with the latest smart thermostat technology and take full control of your central heating system.

One of the best, most user-friendly smart thermostats is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. This gadget allows you to create heating schedules and control temperature via an app on your mobile, meaning you can keep everything in check even when you’re not at home. 

2. Check your boiler pressure

Monitoring your boiler's pressure is a crucial step in ensuring your heating system operates smoothly. If the gauge reads in the red zone (indicating either too high or too low pressure), it can lead to a loss of hot water and heating.

Don't fret, though, as this situation can occur occasionally and simply requires topping up the pressure. If, however, this becomes a recurring issue, it may be a sign of a leaky pipe or radiator, or in more severe cases, an indication that it's time to consider a visit from a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer or even a new boiler.

3. Book your boiler's annual service

If you haven't scheduled your annual boiler service this year, now is the time to do so. Most boiler breakdowns tend to occur during the winter months, so engineers often experience high demand during this time of year, making it more challenging to secure a service appointment.

Not only does an annual boiler service keep your manufacturer's warranty valid, but it also offers you the peace of mind that your heating system is operating at its best. During the service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will thoroughly inspect your boiler. They have the expertise to identify and remedy potential issues before they have a chance to escalate into a more serious fault in your system.

Organising your boiler’s service doesn’t have to be a hassle, though, especially with a home cover plan from BOXT. For as little as £8.99 per month, you can get your boiler serviced by a qualified professional and ensure your home’s heating system is in good working order.

4. Invest in a new A-rated boiler

The older a boiler is, the less efficient it will be, meaning you’ll likely find it runs into more difficulty when working to keep your home warm. 

If your current boiler is over 15 years old, it's a good idea to consider upgrading to a new one before the cold weather sets in. 

New boilers come with significantly improved energy efficiency ratings and are now all condensing, meaning they use less energy to heat your home. 

Making this investment not only ensures a warmer and more comfortable home but can also lead to long-term cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint, so it’s a win-win-win. 

Read our full guide to get an idea of how much you could save each year on your energy bills by upgrading to a newer, more efficient boiler.

5. Stop cold air from entering your home

Chilly draughts from outside can undo all the hard work your home’s heating system does to keep you warm, so preventing them from sneaking in is essential. 

This is relatively quick and easy to action, too, with a number of different simple home upgrades proving effective when it comes to stopping cold air from entering through your walls, doors, windows and roof. 

Firstly, proper insulation is a must. Install wall, door, floor and loft insulation to reduce heat transfer from the inside out (and vice versa) to keep your home at a constant, comfortable temperature, whatever the weather.

Beyond this, hanging heavier curtains in front of any external windows and laying rugs or carpets on any hard flooring materials can also help. Both of these soft furnishings work by providing an additional insulating barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside your home, stopping the chills from creeping through.

6. Let solar heat into your home

Take advantage of the natural warmth provided by the sun. During daylight hours, open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to allow sunlight to naturally heat your living spaces. This free, renewable energy source can significantly contribute to keeping your home warm without relying solely on artificial heating systems.

Embracing solar heat is not only eco-friendly but also a practical and cost-effective way to maintain a home's temperature. Make the most of this natural gift and let the sun's rays work their magic in your home.

7. Use electric fan heaters with caution

Using an electric radiator or fan heater can be a great way of providing an instant blast of warm air into your home, but this convenience can come at an eye-wateringly high cost.

You can work out how much it will cost to run an electric fan heater by taking the price you pay per kWh and multiplying it by the maximum power output of the heater. For example, if we assume you pay around 27p per kWh (the energy price cap in October 2023), then a 2kW fan heater will cost approximately 55p per hour to run, this would only heat one room in your home.

In comparison research shows that If you're connected to mains natural gas, you're looking at a cost of around 7p per kilowatt-hour. This means that if you have a 24 kW boiler, you can expect to pay around £1.68 per hour to run it on mains gas. (Information correct as of the October 2023 price cap) which would go towards heating your entire home. 

If you do decide to get a fan heater, make sure you choose one that’s the appropriate size for your room. A heater that’s too small will struggle to bring the space it’s in up to temperature, meaning you’ll likely find you need to have it turned on all the time to feel the benefit.

8. Financial support

In times of financial strain, it's important to know that there are resources available to help families facing the challenges of fuel poverty. 

Various grants and support programs have been set up to assist those struggling with rising energy bills. These initiatives aim to ensure that everyone can maintain a warm and comfortable home, even during the coldest months of the year.

To find out more about what help is available, visit the GOV.UK website.

9. Be prepared for potential boiler issues

Sometimes, the unexpected happens, despite our best efforts to prevent it. The winter months are one of those times for domestic boilers, as the cold weather makes breakdowns and pipework problems all the more likely. 

The best thing you can do to minimise the impacts of all issues is to prepare. For example, you can ensure you have a list of all the contact numbers you might need, such as reliable engineers and the National Gas Emergency Service. 

Also, make sure you have the right cover in place. With a home cover plan from BOXT, you can sleep easy knowing that our team of experts will be there to lend a helping hand should things go awry. From as little as £8.99 per month, you can protect your home’s central heating system by getting its annual service carried out by a qualified engineer.

Keep your house warm with BOXT

If you need a new boiler or a boiler replacement, BOXT is by your side. We’re on a mission to make the home heating industry fairer and more affordable for everyone, one A-rated boiler installation at a time. Use our easy online tool to get a no-obligation quote for a new boiler today.