Heating that works when you need it

Service the boiler

Have it checked once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer, ideally before the cold weather and the busy season.

Fit and test a carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste. Test your alarm and replace it at the end of its life.

Bleed your radiators

If they’re cold at the top, let the air out with a radiator key.

Use your controls

A room thermostat, a timer and radiator valves let you heat the rooms you use, when you use them. Fitting all three can save about £100 a year, and turning the thermostat down from 22°C to 21°C alone saves about £120 a year (Energy Saving Trust).

Know your stopcock

Find it now so you can turn the water off quickly if a pipe bursts.