British Gas issues winter warning to anyone with a boiler

British Gas has issued a warning to all households with a boiler ahead of the colder months and urged families to "prepare now" to avoid problems later this winter. More than 1.2 million customers needed their boiler fixed last winter, according to the energy giant, with many calling out engineers in a panic when the heating stopped working.

British Gas says most people turn their heating on towards the end of October, typically after four days in a row where temperatures dip below 9C. But by then it may be too late to avoid costly repairs, especially if the boiler has not been checked or used in months. With that in mind, the company has now shared a list of 10 simple steps to help keep homes warm and avoid mid-winter breakdowns.

They include bleeding radiators, insulating pipes, setting the thermostat between 18C and 21C, and using draught excluders to stop warm air from escaping.

British Gas says turning the heating down by just one degree could save families around £75 per year on energy bills.

Other money-saving tips include using zonal heating by switching off radiators in rooms not in use, and scheduling heating to come on just before you wake up and turn off half an hour before bedtime.

The advice comes as millions of households get ready to turn their radiators back on for the first time in months.

Sunny Solanky, a British Gas engineer with 17 years of experience, said: "It's almost that time of year again. As we head into autumn, the nights are starting to get darker and temperatures are dropping.

"But there's more to preparing for the colder months than dusting off your big coat. It's important to make sure your home is well-equipped for colder temperatures to ensure you're saving money on bills and keeping as warm as possible.

"Keeping your boiler in good check is key to this, and making a few simple changes around the home can also help.

"And if you do run into any issues and you call before 11am, one of our engineers will be with you the same day."

Some other key tips include rearranging furniture so radiators aren't blocked, using thicker curtains to trap heat, and placing rugs on bare floors to stop warmth escaping through the ground.

British Gas also recommends checking if you're eligible for support through the British Gas Energy Trust.

This offers face-to-face advice, financial help, and grants of up to £1,700 - even to people who aren't British Gas customers.

Installing a smart thermostat like Hive can also help reduce heating bills by up to £175 a year by giving homeowners more control over the temperature in each room.

And the most important tip of all? Don't wait until the first cold snap.

British Gas says boiler problems spike as soon as the weather turns and engineers get booked up quickly.

Bleed your radiators - if the top of your radiator is cold, release trapped air using a radiator key.

Seal up draughts - use foam strips, draught excluders, keyhole covers and letterbox brushes to stop heat escaping.

Rearrange furniture - avoid blocking radiators with sofas or cabinets to let heat circulate.

Use zonal heating - don't heat rooms you're not using, and shut doors to keep warm air in.

Insulate your pipes - prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them in insulation from a DIY store.

Set the right temperature - aim for between 18C and 21C. Lowering it by one degree could save £75 a year.

Schedule your heating - set it to come on just before you wake up and turn off 30 minutes before bed.

Try a smart thermostat - tools like Hive can help you control the heat in each room and save up to £175 a year.

Get your boiler serviced - regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend its life.

Check for support - see if you're eligible for grants or help from the British Gas Energy Trust, even if you're not a customer.