British Gas Issues Urgent Call to Seal Homes Before Weekend Freeze
British Gas has issued a pressing warning to UK households, urging them to seal their windows and doors before Saturday morning. The energy provider emphasizes that properly sealing these areas can significantly reduce heat loss and potentially lower annual energy bills by up to £60.
Simple Steps to Combat Heat Loss
British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers recommends several straightforward measures to prepare homes for the impending cold weather. Self-adhesive foam strips applied around window frames can effectively prevent cooler air from seeping in, while draught excluders are ideal for blocking gaps beneath doors.
It is also crucial to inspect smaller openings, such as letterboxes and keyholes, as these quick fixes can make a substantial difference in maintaining indoor warmth. This advice comes as British Gas anticipates approximately 31,000 callouts in the upcoming week.
Weather Warnings and Heating System Strain
The alert coincides with Met Office forecasts predicting snow and freezing temperatures across the UK this Valentine's weekend. Colder conditions are expected to place additional strain on home heating systems, with overnight temperatures potentially dropping as low as -9°C.
Common issues during such extreme weather include frozen pipes, boiler pressure drops, and timer resets, which can leave households without heating. British Gas notes that many of these problems can be resolved through simple at-home checks, enabling quicker restoration of heating and hot water.
Preparing for a Busy Period
Last winter, British Gas engineers responded to over 1.2 million calls to repair broken boilers and restore heating services. Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas, stated, "While most people are planning a cosy Valentine's weekend, we're preparing for one of the busiest spells of the year."
She added, "When freezing temperatures and snow are on the way, heating systems are pushed to work harder and for longer. If your heating stops working, start with a few simple checks. Ensure your thermostat and timer are set correctly, verify that your boiler pressure is within the appropriate range, and look for signs of a frozen condensate pipe if temperatures have fallen below zero. In many cases, these steps can restore your heating without requiring a callout."
British Gas continues to stress the importance of proactive measures to mitigate heating breakdowns and enhance energy efficiency during the cold season.
