ENERGY bills can be crippling during the winter months.
But households could save as much as £1,775 a year by checking key energy bill “danger zones” around their home and making the right improvements.
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The energy price cap is set to rise to its highest level for three years from October, leaving millions facing higher gas and electricity costs.
A typical household on a standard tariff will pay £1,723 a year for their energy.
At the same time, experts have warned that families could face further pain after oil prices surged above $100 a barrel and UK wholesale gas prices hit a near four-year high.
Markets have been rocked by attacks involving Iranian oil tankers and fears of further disruption to energy supplies as fighting in the Middle East continues.
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That means it is more important than ever to make sure your home is not leaking costly heat.
From draughty windows to sluggish radiators, seemingly small problems can force your heating to work overtime.
Meanwhile, an unnoticed issue with your roof or boiler could quickly turn into an expensive winter emergency.
The amount you could save will depend on your property, its existing insulation and how much energy you use.
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Here are five household “danger zones” worth checking NOW before it gets colder.
1. Windows and doors – £55
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That chilly breeze may seem harmless, but draughty doors and windows allow the heat you have paid for to escape.
Clive Holland, lead presenter at Fix Radio and a former builder, said: “Before the cold weather really sets in, one of the simplest things you can do is check your windows and doors for draughts.
“Feel around the edges and pay particular attention to the rubber seals around the perimeter of the window.
“If those seals have deteriorated, you can be losing heat without necessarily realising it.
“Draught-proofing strips and foam are relatively simple fixes and can make a noticeable difference.”
Professional draught-proofing of windows and doors could save a typical household around £55 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
DIY foam strips are available from most hardware shops and could cost considerably less than getting the job done professionally.
However, do not block extractor fans, air bricks, trickle vents or any other ventilation your home needs.
2. Radiators – up to £600
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If your heating is on, but the house still feels Baltic, give each radiator a quick check.
A radiator that is cold at the top may have trapped air inside and need bleeding.
If it is cold at the bottom, sludge could be stopping hot water from circulating properly.
Clive said: “Get your heating on and check every radiator properly as well. If you find a radiator is cold across the top, it may need bleeding.
“That can usually be done with a radiator key or, depending on the valve, a flat-headed screwdriver, but make sure the heating is switched off before you start.
“Sludge in the system is another thing to look out for if radiators aren’t heating as they should.”
Bleeding a radiator can help it heat the room more effectively, meaning you are less likely to crank up the thermostat.
Switch the heating off and allow the radiators to cool before opening a bleed valve. If the problem continues, contact a qualified heating professional.
Heating experts at UK Radiators have estimated that neglecting radiators alone can add £400 to £600 a year to bills.
3. Insulation – up to £390
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Your insulation is your home’s winter coat — and without enough of it, a huge amount of warmth can disappear through the roof, walls and floor.
Depending on the type and size of your home, insulating a completely uninsulated loft could cut between £210 and £390 off your annual energy bill, according to the Centre for Sustainable Energy
Hamid Salimi, residential product manager at Daikin UK, said: “Preparing your home before colder weather arrives is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort, reduce energy use and avoid unexpected issues during winter.
“A few straightforward maintenance checks, combined with improvements such as better insulation and smart heating controls, can help any heating system perform more efficiently.”
He recommends checking loft, wall and floor insulation, as well as draught-proofing around doors and windows.
Households should check whether they qualify for insulation support through their energy supplier, council or a government-backed scheme before paying for the work themselves.
4. Roof tiles – up to £430
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A cracked or missing roof tile is not just a cosmetic issue.
It can allow rain into your loft, damaging insulation and causing damp, mould or even structural problems.
George Edwards, managing director of property care specialist Timberwise, said: “A small roof defect can become a much bigger problem when exposed to weeks of rain, wind and freezing temperatures.
“From ground level, look for obvious missing or displaced tiles and signs of water getting into the loft.
“Check roofs for damaged, cracked or loose tiles before winter.”
Wet insulation will not retain heat as effectively, potentially leaving your heating system working harder.
But do not be tempted to climb up and take a look yourself.
George added: “Don’t climb onto the roof yourself — arrange a professional inspection where necessary.”
5. Boiler – £300
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The boiler is the beating heart of your heating system — and a breakdown during a cold snap can leave you facing a hefty emergency call-out bill.
Property expert Phil Spencer recommends getting it serviced once a year.
He told HomeStyle magazine: “Boilers have an annoying habit of breaking down right when you need them the most — during the cold winter months.
“If you’ve not had your boiler serviced for a while, it may have developed problems that passed unnoticed during summer, when it didn’t have to work so hard.”
An engineer can check that the boiler is working safely and efficiently, while spotting minor faults before they become serious.
Phil added: “Make sure you get your boiler checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will ensure it’s running safely and efficiently, catching any small issues before they turn into serious — and expensive — faults.
“Most engineers get very busy during the winter months, so get ahead of the game by booking your service in autumn.”
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You could save yourself up to £300 by getting your boiler serviced, according to OJ Gas and Heating.
Always check that an engineer appears on the official Gas Safe Register before allowing them to work on a gas appliance.