Keep Your Heating Costs Down This Winter

With energy prices remaining high, keeping your property warm without breaking the bank is more important than ever. Whether you're managing a single home or multiple properties, these practical tips will help you reduce heating costs whilst maintaining comfort throughout the colder months.

Service Your Boiler Annually

Regular boiler servicing isn't just about safety—it's about efficiency. A well-maintained boiler uses less fuel and is far less likely to break down during the coldest weeks of winter. During a service, engineers clean components, check for wear, and ensure your boiler is running at peak efficiency

For landlords and property managers, scheduling annual services across your portfolio during summer months means better availability, potentially lower call-out costs, and the peace of mind that your tenants won't be left in the cold when temperatures drop.

Bleed Your Radiators

Cold spots on radiators are usually caused by trapped air, which prevents hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding radiators is straightforward: turn off your heating, use a radiator key to open the valve slightly, and let the air escape until water appears. This simple task can make a noticeable difference to how quickly and evenly your rooms heat up.

In larger properties with multiple radiators, this becomes even more critical. Care homes, schools, and multi-tenanted buildings can waste significant energy if radiator systems aren't operating efficiently across the entire site.

Consider a Powerflush

Over time, sludge and debris accumulate in heating systems, reducing efficiency and causing cold spots. A professional powerflush clears this buildup, allowing your system to heat more quickly and evenly whilst reducing strain on your boiler.

This is particularly important for older systems or properties where heating efficiency has noticeably declined. For organisations managing multiple properties, a planned powerflush programme can extend system life and reduce emergency breakdowns significantly.

Fix Leaks and Drips Promptly

Even small leaks waste water and energy. A dripping tap or weeping radiator valve might seem minor, but over winter these losses add up. More importantly, leaks often indicate underlying issues that could lead to expensive emergency repairs if left unaddressed.

Regular inspections across commercial properties help catch these issues early. Planned preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than emergency call-outs, especially when managing multiple sites where problems can multiply quickly.

Time Your Heating Wisely

Contrary to popular belief, leaving heating on low all day usually costs more than heating your property only when needed. Most homes heat up quickly enough that timed heating—typically an hour before you wake and return home—is more economical.

However, this varies by property type. Larger buildings with greater thermal mass, or properties with vulnerable occupants like care homes, require different approaches. Understanding your specific property's heating needs is key to optimising costs without compromising comfort or safety.

The Professional Advantage

Whilst many of these tips can be implemented independently, working with experienced heating engineers ensures you're getting the most from your system. Professional advice tailored to your specific property—whether a family home or a multi-site commercial portfolio—can identify savings you might otherwise miss.

At Callows, we work with homeowners, landlords, letting agencies, and larger organisations across the South East. Our engineers are Gas Safe registered and experienced in both routine maintenance and complex heating systems management.

From single boiler services to comprehensive maintenance contracts covering multiple properties, we provide transparent, reliable support that keeps your heating efficient all winter long.

Need help improving your heating efficiency? Contact Callows today for expert advice and service across Kent and the South East. Whether you need a one-off boiler service or ongoing maintenance support for multiple properties, we're here to help.