Preparing your home for winter

For most people, when the clocks go back it signals the start of winter. For some, especially if you are older or have older relatives, it can be a more difficult time when you may need a bit of extra help or support.

There are lots of things you can do to keep healthy and well in winter including making sure you prepare your home for the winter months.

Safety tips

Having your boiler and gas appliances serviced annually is the best way to help spot any small issues before they become bigger problems.

Check when you last had a service and book one in before winter, if its due.

• Get your gas boiler and appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500 (always check their Gas Safe Register ID card).
• Make sure your external pipework is in good condition. If needed, cover with foam pipe insulation to protect the pipes from freezing. A frozen boiler condensate pipe can stop your boiler working.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order and replace batteries if required.

Be carbon monoxide aware

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can pose a serious threat to health. It is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, hear, smell, taste or touch it, making it difficult to detect.

Reduce the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by:

• Knowing the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness and/or loss of consciousness.
• Having a CO alarm that alerts you to a leak. Alarms should be fitted around one metre from an appliance at door height and would ideally be in each room where there's a gas appliance. Ensure alarms are tested regularly.
• Ensuring all gas appliances are properly installed and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Checking your flues and getting chimneys swept at least once a year by a registered professional.
• If you think you’ve been exposed to CO and are showing any of the symptoms, get fresh air immediately and seek medical help

Suspect a carbon monoxide leak?

Ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999* at any time of the day or night.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.