The winter months are beginning to draw in which means you might soon be seeing an increase in your heating and energy bills, especially if your home is not quite up to scratch.

1. Upgrade/service the boiler
It’s better to deal with this one now before it gets colder. That old gas boiler you’ve got ticking away could be costing you more money than it’s worth and might not be doing the same effective job it was doing in the 80’s. Getting it serviced (or replaced!) could save you money, energy and could save you from carbon monoxide poisoning.

2. Exclude those draughts!
You probably don’t even notice a draught during the summer months, in fact you’re probably grateful for bit of cold air! During the winter months however, that draught will seriously contribute to lower temperatures in your home. Make sure you get some draught excluders for the offending doors and windows. If your chimney is decorative, it’s also worth buying a specialist draught excluder to stop the hot air escaping and the cold air rushing in.

3. Bleed the radiators!
Many of us rely on our radiators as the main source of heat during the winter months. So it makes sense that you should ensure they’re all in tip top condition. If they feel colder at the top than they do at the bottom, then they need to be bled. Grab the key and a towel and get cracking! Your home will be toasty in no time.

4. Protect your pipes
We’ve all read the horror stories about pipes bursting on Christmas day, ruining the day for families. Protect yourself from this disaster by surrounding your pipes in a foam coat known as “lagging”.

5. Double check your energy provider
You might be able to find a better deal if you shop around for an energy provider. Less money spent on heating, more money for spending on hot chocolate and thick woolly cardigans.
Policies includes a comprehensive list of covers that would normally come as an extra or add on, meaning you can relax with peace of mind this winter.