As temperatures plummet and energy costs rise, homeowners should look at things they can do to protect their homes and wallets during the colder months For many homeowners, the biggest burden on their finances across the winter months is the cost of keeping their home warm. NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty provider for new build homes, offers the following advice to keep your home cosy and draught free: Look after your boiler – Central heating boilers should be checked and serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Boilers fitted in the UK now have to be energy-efficient condensing boilers, as they waste the least amount of energy. So if you live in an older property with a boiler more than ten years, you may want to think about having it replaced.

Reduce draughts – Make sure that your house is free of draughts. Check the weather stripping on your windows and seal your doors to keep heat from escaping. At night, close your curtains to help insulate your windows against heat loss. Open your curtains during the day to let the sun’s natural warmth in.

Bleed radiators – If a radiator is warm at the bottom but cool at the top this could mean there is air in the system, which prevents the warm circulating water from reaching the top of the radiator. The radiator may require bleeding to ensure maximum efficiency of the heating system. Remember, hanging clothes on radiators means that you’re stopping the heat getting to the rest of the room. Place reflective foil behind radiators to increase warmth back into the room.

Top up your loft insulation – Heat rises, and in an uninsulated home a quarter of the heat is lost through the roof. Insulating your loft is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and lower your heating bills. The latest government guidelines recommend 270mm (11 inches) which means if you live in a property that’s older than ten years of age, it’s time for a top up.

Turn down the thermostat – According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning down a room thermostat by one degree could save you around £65 a year.

Floor insulation – Insulating under the floorboards on the ground floor can help you save money. Older properties are more likely to have suspended timber floors which can be insulated using mineral or sheep’s wool as it takes up thermal movement and cuts down air movement around the insulation. Newer homes will have a concrete ground floor, which can have rigid insulation laid on top.

Do not heat empty rooms – Only switch radiators on in rooms that you use, make sure you shut the doors though to keep the rest of the house warm.

Compare suppliers – Comparing the various offers available from energy companies can often help you identify a cheaper tariff.

l Details: www.nhbc.co.uk