A tip from a British Gas energy expert suggests a clever way to keep your home warm without relying on your central heating. According to smart energy engineer Jessica Rawstron, you can maximize the residual heat from your oven by leaving the door open after cooking.
Rawstron advises against closing the oven door immediately after cooking. Instead, she recommends allowing the heat to slowly transfer into your kitchen, helping to maintain a warm environment while you enjoy your meal. She also reminds homeowners to ensure children and pets stay away from the open oven door for safety.
In addition to this tip, British Gas offers various winter preparation suggestions, such as sealing gaps around windows and doors to prevent draughts. Regularly bleeding radiators and scheduling annual boiler servicing are also recommended to ensure efficient heating in your home.
As parts of the UK face yellow warnings for snow and ice due to plummeting temperatures, households are preparing to combat the cold. Energy bills have risen once again, with the average annual cost for gas and electricity reaching £1,758 for households paying by direct debit. The price cap regulates unit rates and standing charges but does not cap the total energy bill, which still depends on usage.
For those on pre-payment meters, the price cap has increased to £1,711 annually, while those paying upon receipt of bill can now expect to pay £1,894 a year. The price cap is reviewed every three months and is set to change again in April 2026.