10 Things to Do Before You Put the Heating On

A few checks can help your heating work better before colder weather arrives.

Check your controls, radiators and energy account now, before heating use increases.

LEAP’s free advice and practical guides can help you cut wasted energy, tackle draughts and find support before winter.

This month is a useful time to give your home a simple “autumn MOT”. You may not need much heating yet, making it easier to test controls, spot problems and sort out small jobs before the first cold spell.

Here are ten practical checks to make before you put the heating on as colder weather arrives.

Your Autumn home energy checklist

1. Check your heating timer or programmer

Make sure the clock is correct and review the times your heating is set to come on and go off. If your routine has changed since last winter, your old schedule may no longer suit you. Aim to heat your home when you need it rather than when nobody is there.

2. Test the heating before you really need it

Switch your heating on briefly and check that the system starts as expected and radiators warm up. Finding a fault on a mild September day is easier than discovering it during the first cold snap. If anything seems unsafe or unreliable, use a qualified professional.

3. Get to know your thermostat and TRVs

Your room thermostat controls the overall temperature, while thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) help control individual rooms. Energy Saving Trust advises setting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature; for many people this is 18°C to 21°C. TRVs can be set lower in rooms you use less. Individual needs vary, so prioritise a safe, comfortable temperature.

4. Bleed radiators that need it

If a radiator is warm at the bottom but cool at the top, trapped air may be stopping it heating properly. If you are confident doing so, switch the heating off, let the radiator cool and bleed it carefully. Follow your heating system’s instructions, as pressure may need checking afterwards.

5. Give radiators room to work

Move sofas, cabinets and other large items away from radiators where possible. Thick curtains or radiator covers can also trap heat. A clearer space allows warm air to circulate rather than warming furniture.

6. Hunt for draughts

Check around external doors, windows, letterboxes, skirting boards and unused chimneys for gaps. Simple draught-proofing can improve comfort and reduce wasted heat. Do not block trickle vents, air bricks or other ventilation designed to keep your home safe and manage moisture.

7. Check whether radiator foil or panels could help

Reflective radiator foil or panels can reduce heat loss through the wall behind a radiator in suitable homes. LEAP has guides for radiator foil and Heatkeeper radiator panels, alongside guides for door brushes, letterboxes and draught-proofing strips.

8. Take a meter reading

Take gas and electricity readings and keep a photo. If you have a smart meter, check that your supplier is receiving readings and your bills are not being estimated. LEAP’s smart meter guides explain how smart meters and in-home displays work and how they can help you monitor usage.

9. Check your balance or prepayment credit

If you pay by Direct Debit, look at your account balance and recent bills before winter usage rises. Ofgem notes that credit often builds during lower-use months and may reduce as households use more energy in winter. If you use prepayment, check your balance, top-up method and emergency credit arrangements. If you cannot afford to top up, contact your supplier straight away.

10. Find out what support is available now

You do not have to wait until bills become unmanageable. LEAP’s free Energy Advice Service starts with an informal advice call. Advisors can help you understand your bills, meters, heating controls and energy use and check what further support you may be eligible for.

Get Your Home Ready Before You Turn the Heating On

A little preparation now can make the colder months easier to manage. LEAP’s free Energy Efficiency Guides cover energy-saving tips, smart meters, radiator foil and panels and practical draught-proofing. If you are worried about winter bills, apply for LEAP today and get personalised advice for your home.