Page last updated on 16th March 2026
Get set and save with our winter prep checklist
To help you get set for the winter season, we're introducing our Winter Prep Checklist, created in partnership with National Energy Action and ‘Sort Your Life Out’s Dilly Carter.
Getting ready and set for the winter months could help households save money
Despite being a nation known for our obsession with the weather, many of us admit we’re still caught off guard when winter arrives each year. Our research indicates that, as summers get longer and hotter, around 52% of people feel surprised when the colder seasons finally arrive.*
Even though the lower temperatures last nearly half the year, we tend to focus much more on prepping for the sunshine. 61% of Brits spend months getting ready for warmer days, buying fans, switching to lighter duvets, or updating their winter wardrobes. But we don’t take the same care when it comes to getting ready for those colder months.*
In fact, 32% say they only start preparing for winter once it’s already here. Many overlook key checks on boilers, radiators, and draught-proofing until they’re needed, risking costly, last-minute repairs when it matters the most.*
As winter approaches, a few simple steps can make a big difference, like booking a boiler service during summer or regularly bleeding radiators. These small actions can help households feel more in control as temperatures drop. But it’s those with a smart meter installed who could see the biggest benefits when the cold weather sets in...
Watch: Dilly Carter helps households sort out their home for winter
How a smart meter can help you stay prepared this winter
Smart meters are installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier, and for those who say they've saved money, the average annual saving is £176. With a smart meter, you can also gain easier access to energy reward schemes, which encourage households to use energy at different times of the day, helping to ease demand and reduce costs.*
Each smart meter comes with an in-home display that shows your energy use in near real time. 33% of households say it’s helped them manage their energy use better, with 39% feeling more in control of their household bills as a result.*
Smart meters mean you get accurate, not estimated bills
One of the smart meter benefits for consumers is that smart meters automatically send your meter reading to your energy supplier. Smart meters send readings at least once a month. With these regular automatic meter readings, your supplier knows how much energy you’re using and can send you accurate bills. This means that each month you’ll only pay for what you use.
Smart meters make your energy bills easier to predict
When your smart meter is installed, you’ll be offered a smart meter in-home display. The in-home display shows your energy usage in near real-time. It also shows your daily, weekly or monthly energy consumption. This means you should have a better idea of what to expect in your next energy bill.
Smart meters can help you save money on energy
By using your smart meter in-home display to track your energy usage, you can manage your spending on energy bills. You can also use the daily, weekly and monthly views on your in-home display to more effectively budget for your energy spending. You can set energy saving goals and budgets. You can even set an hourly rate that as a household you’re happy with, and your in-home display will help you stick to that.
For more details, check out our guide on how to use a smart meter to save money.
Our Winter Prep Checklist can help you save
To help households get winter-ready, we're launching our Winter Prep Checklist, created in partnership with National Energy Action and Dilly Carter. These smart, budget-friendly tips should help you prepare, and avoid last-minute costs:
5 weeks before winter
Test your boiler. Turn it on, listen for unusual noises, and check for warning codes. Book a yearly service to avoid costly emergency repairs.
4 weeks before winter
Lower your boiler’s flow temperature to help it run more efficiently. Your water will still be hot, but you could still save energy.
3 weeks before winter
Check your heating and hot water timer. Set it to switch off when you're out or asleep, and come on just before you return or wake up.
2 weeks before winter
Bleed your radiators so they heat properly. If the top feels cold, it’s time to bleed them again. Check this every few weeks during the winter.
1 week before winter
Block draughts around doors and windows to keep the heat in. Use low-cost draught excluders or make your own with blankets or old clothes.
During winter
Aim to keep your home between 18–21°C. Avoid using electric heaters instead of central heating, as they can end up costing more.
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*Research conducted by OnePoll across 2000 UK adults, September 2025.