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Boiler Checks to Save Energy

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/11/boiler-checks-to-save-energy.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 9:25 GMT by The Sun

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How Winter Home Checks Can Cut Your Energy Bills – A Comprehensive Guide

As the chill of late autumn settles in, many homeowners start to think about heating costs, drafts, and safety hazards that can sneak up on them during the coldest months. The Sun’s recent feature, “Winter Home Checks Save You Money,” outlines a simple checklist that can keep your family warm and your wallet lighter. Below is a summary of the article’s key points, enriched with extra context from the linked resources and industry best practices.

1. The Importance of a Boiler Check

A boiler that is not properly maintained can leak carbon monoxide, overheat, or simply fail when the temperature drops. The Sun stresses that a certified technician should service the boiler at least twice a year – once before the heating season begins and again midway through. The check includes:

• Leak inspection: Small leaks in the boiler’s pipes or fittings can grow over time, reducing efficiency and creating hazardous conditions.
• Ventilation assessment: Proper venting prevents dangerous carbon monoxide build‑up inside the home.
• Efficiency test: An older boiler may have lost its original 90 % efficiency rating; a professional can determine whether a replacement would save money in the long run.

The article links to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust and the Ofgem regulator for guidance on selecting a reputable technician. The Trust’s advice page offers a handy tool for finding accredited installers.

2. Draft Proofing and Insulation – Two of the Biggest Savings

Drafty windows and poorly insulated walls let heat escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. The Sun recommends a two‑step approach:

1. Draft proofing
   - Weather stripping: Adding or replacing old seals on doors and windows is cheap (often under £10 per window) and can reduce heat loss by up to 20 %. - Draft excluders: Roll‑off or magnetic strips for the bottom of doors can seal gaps that are often overlooked.

2. Insulation upgrades
   - Loft insulation: The article explains that the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme often covers loft insulation costs for eligible households. A quick online calculator (link provided) estimates potential savings: £200–£400 a year in heating bills for a standard two‑bedroom flat. - Cavity wall insulation: If your home has cavity walls, filling the void with foam or mineral wool can be a game‑changer. The Sun quotes a typical cost of £1–£1.50 per square metre, but the long‑term savings can outweigh the initial outlay in most cases.

Additional context from the article’s “Home Energy Saver” link provides downloadable floor plans and insulation types suitable for various building materials.

3. Window and Door Upgrades – When to Replace

The article warns that older double‑glazed windows can become a source of heat loss if the seal between the panes breaks. If you hear a whoosh sound when the wind blows or notice condensation between the panes, it’s time to replace the window. The Sun recommends:

• Choosing energy‑efficient models: Look for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A or B.
• Opting for thermal breaks: These reduce heat transfer dramatically.
• Checking door insulation: Solid core doors perform better than hollow core options.

The piece links to a government guide on “Choosing the right windows”, which outlines the pros and cons of various glazing options, including triple glazing and low‑E coatings.

4. Smart Heating Management

The Sun emphasizes that how you use your heating system matters as much as the system itself:

• Programmable thermostats: Setting a lower temperature (e.g., 18 °C) while you’re at home and dropping it by a degree or two during the night can shave £30–£50 off the annual bill.
• Zoning: If you only use certain rooms at night, a zoned heating system allows you to keep the rest at a lower temperature.
• Radiator maintenance: Bleed radiators to remove trapped air, as recommended in the article’s “How to bleed a radiator” guide.

The feature includes a link to the Thermostat UK page, which offers comparison charts for various thermostat models, including Wi‑Fi enabled options.

5. Ventilation and Mold Prevention

Cold, damp conditions foster mould growth. The article suggests:

• Using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce moisture.
• Ventilating rooms by opening windows briefly each day, even in winter.
• Checking for condensation on windows and using a hygrometer to keep indoor humidity below 50 %.

The Sun links to UK’s National Health Service advice on mould prevention, underscoring the health risks of prolonged dampness.

6. Seasonal Checks Beyond the Boiler

To keep the whole house in peak condition, the article recommends:

• Gutter cleaning: Prevent water from seeping into walls and foundations.
• Roof inspection: Look for missing or broken tiles that can lead to leaks.
• Chimney sweep: A clean flue is crucial for safe combustion and efficient heat release.
• Fire safety checks: Install or replace smoke detectors, keep fire extinguishers charged, and test them monthly.

A link to Home Safety UK supplies a printable checklist for these tasks, ensuring homeowners never forget an important step.

7. Cost‑Saving Take‑aways

The Sun wraps up by summarizing the most impactful actions:

• Boiler service – Avoid expensive repairs or carbon monoxide incidents.
• Draft proofing – Quick fixes that pay off in immediate savings.
• Insulation upgrades – A small upfront cost that can cut heating bills by up to 30 %.
• Smart thermostat – Lower temperatures during sleep and away times produce the biggest savings.
• Ventilation – Prevent mould and associated health costs.

The article also points to Energy Saving Trust’s “Top 10 Home Energy Hacks” page, which lists additional measures such as using thermal curtains, employing space heaters sparingly, and switching to LED bulbs.

Bottom Line

Winter home checks are far from a luxury—they’re a practical investment that can save homeowners from high energy bills, costly repairs, and safety hazards. By following the Sun’s straightforward checklist and exploring the linked resources, you can ensure that your home stays warm, safe, and energy‑efficient all winter long. Whether you’re a first‑time homeowner or a seasoned renovator, the information in the article offers a reliable roadmap to a more cost‑effective winter season.