With severe cold weather sweeping across the UK, British Gas is urging customers to adopt simple yet effective measures to keep their homes warm and safe. As snow and ice impact large parts of the country, including Birmingham, energy experts recommend leaving the oven door open after cooking to help heat the kitchen.
Jessica Rawstron, smart energy engineer at British Gas, explains, “After you’ve taken your meal out of the oven, instead of closing the door, leave it open to allow the residual heat to slowly warm your kitchen. It’s an easy way to make use of extra heat during these cold days. Just be cautious to keep children and pets away from the oven door for safety.”
In addition to this tip, British Gas advises homeowners to insulate any exposed pipes connected to boilers or water supplies to prevent freezing. Those using log burners should store extra wood indoors. It is also crucial to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, especially when using indoor heaters.
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Preparing for emergencies is equally important. Households should know where their stopcock is in case there’s a burst pipe and have sleeping bags, blankets, and warm coats easily accessible should heating be temporarily disrupted.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Scotland due to heavy snow showers, with six regions in England under yellow warnings. These warnings warn of frequent snow, travel disruption, icy surfaces, and gusty winds, especially near coastal areas.
With temperatures dipping as low as -12°C in some areas, following British Gas’s advice can help keep homes warmer and safer throughout the cold spell.