UK homes 'should make key check' before Sunday, October 25

The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday, October 25, granting us an additional hour in bed but also signalling the beginning of darker evenings and chillier days. For numerous households, it marks the time of year when the heating gets switched on more frequently, the lights remain on for extended periods and energy consumption begins to rise. Sophie Graham, a personal finance expert at Sunny , is offering seven steps to take before the clocks go back to help manage energy bills, regardless of what winter has in store. Sophie said: "The clocks going back is a useful reminder that winter is on its way, and it's a good moment to get your home ready before the colder weather really sets in. Many of the jobs that make the biggest difference to your energy bill are quick, cheap or even free, but they're easy to put off until you're already feeling the chill. Spending an hour or two preparing your home now can help you use energy more efficiently, avoid unexpected costs and feel more in control of your bills over the coming months." Sophie said: "Not every heating timer updates automatically when the clocks change, which means your heating could end up coming on an hour earlier or later than you need it to. Take a few minutes to check your timer and thermostat before the clocks go back, and think about whether your schedule still suits your routine. Setting the heating to come on only when you're at home and need it, rather than leaving it running all day, can make a noticeable difference over the winter." "If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top, there's likely air trapped inside, which stops them from heating your home properly. Bleeding them is a quick job that only needs a radiator key and an old cloth, and it helps your heating system work more efficiently, so you're not paying to run radiators that aren't doing their job. Just remember to check your boiler pressure afterwards, as it can drop slightly once the air has been released." "Your boiler is likely to be working its hardest over the next few months, so it makes sense to have it checked before winter rather than waiting for something to go wrong. A regular service by a Gas Safe registered engineer can help keep your boiler running efficiently and spot small problems before they turn into costly repairs. Booking early also means you're more likely to get an appointment that suits you before engineers get busier in the colder months." "Gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and floorboards can let a surprising amount of heat escape, meaning you end up paying to warm your home only for that heat to disappear. Draught excluders, self-adhesive strips and sealant are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit yourself. Even simple steps like closing curtains once it gets dark and keeping doors closed between rooms can help keep the warmth where you want it." "With darker evenings, the lights will be on for much longer each day, so it's worth thinking about the bulbs you're using. LED bulbs use considerably less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer, so switching over can help reduce your electricity use over time. You don't need to replace everything at once. Starting with the lights you use the most, such as those in the living room and kitchen, is a good way to spread the cost." "Giving your energy supplier an up-to-date meter reading before your usage starts to rise helps make sure your bills are based on what you've actually used rather than an estimate. It also gives you a clear starting point so you can keep an eye on how your usage changes over winter. If you have a smart meter, check that it's sending readings correctly so your bills reflect what you actually use." "Before winter arrives, it's worth checking what tariff you're on, when it ends and whether your monthly direct debit still reflects what you're using. Some people find they've built up credit over the summer, while others may be heading into the colder months in debit. Knowing where you stand now means you can speak to your supplier early if anything doesn't look right, rather than being caught off guard by a larger bill later on. "The colder months can feel daunting when it comes to energy bills, but there's a lot we can do to prepare that doesn't involve sitting in a cold house. Small changes, like making sure your heating is set up properly and keeping warm air from escaping, all add up over the course of the winter. Tackling a few of these jobs before the clocks go back means you can settle into the darker evenings feeling warm, comfortable and a bit more confident about your bills."