Energy Expert’s 10-Minute Pre-Winter Home Checklist for a Warmer, Cheaper Winter

As autumn turns to winter and the first cold snap hits, boilers across the UK are flickering back to life. But before you reach for the thermostat, one expert says now is the time for a quick home audit — and it could save you hundreds of pounds over the coming months.

Jamie Burns, an energy efficiency specialist at reliability firm Ailsa, has unveiled his 10-minute pre-winter home checklist — a simple routine designed to make heating systems run smoother, reduce waste, and keep households warmer for less.

“Most of us think we’re being smart with our heating,” Jamie explains, “but a few small bad habits can quietly waste hundreds of pounds each year. Spending ten minutes checking your system now can mean a more comfortable, efficient winter — and a much calmer energy bill.”

The Ultimate 10-Minute Pre-Winter Checklist

Run your heating for 20 minutes to make sure every radiator gets warm.
Bleed any radiators that are cold at the top or make gurgling noises — trapped air means wasted heat.
Check your boiler pressure when the system is cold. Low pressure makes radiators inefficient and raises costs.
Move furniture away from radiators. Leave at least a hand’s width for better heat circulation.
Set a steady boiler flow temperature. Around 60°C for combi boilers is often ideal for efficiency.
Programme heating schedules that match your daily routine instead of running it constantly.
Shut internal doors at night and use draught excluders to keep heat in the rooms you use most.
Insulate hot-water cylinders and exposed pipes where you can reach — it locks in warmth and reduces heat loss.
Fit or adjust TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) to keep lesser-used rooms at a lower temperature.
Book a boiler service if it’s overdue or if you spot faults, leaks or unusual noises.

Why It Matters

Small adjustments can make a huge difference. According to energy experts, bleeding radiators alone can improve heating efficiency by up to 15%, while lowering your boiler’s flow temperature by just a few degrees could cut bills by £60–£80 a year.

Jamie adds: “Treat your home like a small building you manage. A tiny bit of setup work now delivers a warmer, quieter system and a calmer energy bill all winter.”

With energy prices still high and cold weather approaching fast, spending ten minutes on this simple checklist is one of the most cost-effective things you can do before winter sets in.

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