An energy expert from British Gas has unveiled a simple and completely free method to help warm your home this winter, as freezing temperatures grip the nation and energy bills remain high.
The £0 kitchen heating trick
Smart energy engineer Jessica Rawstron advised households to make use of residual heat from their ovens after cooking. Instead of immediately closing the oven door, leaving it open allows the leftover warmth to circulate into the kitchen.
"Once dinner comes out of the oven, we all close the door again," said Jessica. "But why waste that heat? Leave the oven door open and let the heat transfer slowly into your kitchen. It’ll help keep your house warm while you eat." She added the important safety note to keep children and pets away from the open appliance.
Preparing your home for winter
British Gas also shared broader advice for winter-proofing homes. Key recommendations include draught-proofing by sealing gaps around windows and doors, which prevents cold air from entering.
Homeowners are also urged to ensure their heating systems are working efficiently. This involves bleeding radiators regularly to remove trapped air and ensuring an annual boiler service is carried out.
Cold snap and rising energy costs
The advice comes as the UK faces yellow weather warnings for snow and ice. Northern Scotland was under a warning all day Wednesday, while a large part of England, covering areas like Sheffield, Peterborough, Bath, and Worcester, plus much of Wales, faces a snow warning from Thursday evening until Friday midday.
This cold spell coincides with increased energy costs. The typical household paying by direct debit now faces an annual bill of £1,758 for gas and electricity under the current price cap. It is crucial to note that the cap limits unit rates and standing charges, not the total bill, which still depends on usage.
For those with pre-payment meters, the cap is £1,711 per year, while customers who pay on receipt of bill face a yearly charge of £1,894. The price cap is updated quarterly, with the next change scheduled for April 2026.
