There’s a lot to love about living in an older or rural home in the South West: thick stone walls, character features and plenty of space. But keeping it warm through winter can feel like a losing battle, especially if you’re relying on oil or LPG and watching every litre.

The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference to how warm your home feels and how much fuel you use. Here’s where to start.

Stop the heat escaping first

Before you turn the thermostat up, find out where your warmth is going. Older homes are often draughty around windows, doors, loft hatches and old fireplaces.

• Doors and windows: draught strips and a heavy curtain over a front door are cheap and quick to fit.
• Unused chimneys: a chimney balloon or draught excluder stops warm air disappearing up the flue (just remember to remove it before lighting a fire).
• Floorboards: gaps between old floorboards can let in a surprising chill. Rugs help, and gaps can be filled.
• Loft: if your loft insulation is thin or patchy, topping it up is one of the most effective ways to keep heat in.

Heat the rooms you use

Larger, older homes often have rooms that sit empty for much of the week. There’s no need to heat them to the same temperature as your living room.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) let you set each radiator to a different level. Turn them down in spare rooms and hallways, and keep the rooms you live in comfortable. Just avoid switching radiators off completely, as rooms that are never heated can become damp.

Get your timings right

Thick stone walls take a long time to warm up, but they hold onto heat well once they get there. Many older homes are more comfortable, and more efficient, with the heating on for longer at a steady, lower temperature, rather than short bursts at full blast.

It’s worth experimenting with your timer and thermostat over a week or two to find what suits your home.

Keep your boiler in good shape

An oil or LPG boiler that hasn’t been serviced in a while can burn more fuel than it needs to. An annual service from an OFTEC-registered engineer keeps it running safely and efficiently, and helps catch small faults before they leave you without heat.

If your boiler is getting on in years, it may be worth asking our engineer how efficient it still is. Older non-condensing boilers can waste a lot of the fuel they burn.

Keep an eye on your oil tank

If you’re on heating oil, check your tank level regularly and order before you’re running low. Demand for deliveries tends to rise as the weather turns colder. While you’re there, take a quick look at the tank itself for cracks, rust or leaks, and make sure nothing is stacked against it.

Bleed radiators and check pressure

Cold patches at the top of radiators mean trapped air, which makes your system work harder. Bleeding them takes a few minutes with a radiator key. Afterwards, check your boiler pressure, as it can drop once the air is out.

Exploring your options

If you’re thinking longer term about how you heat your home, our team can talk you through what would suit your property, from a more efficient boiler to other options. Get a free quote and we’ll take a look. It depends on your home, your budget and how you live, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

We’re here to help

Our South West team works with older and rural homes every day, from cottages and farmhouses to period townhouses. Whether you need a boiler service, a repair or some honest advice, call us on 0330 383 0000 or book online. For extra peace of mind, take a look at our Care Plans.