# UK Households Advised on Energy Efficiency Before Clock Change Prepare your home heating and lighting systems before the clocks go back this Sunday. - **Source:** [Daily Express :: Finance Feed](https://www.express.co.uk) - **Published:** 2026-10-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/16947417-fcc8-4663-be98-8d59c3803237 ## Seasonal Energy Preparation The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday, October 25, signaling the transition to colder, darker days. This shift typically increases household energy consumption as heating systems and lights are used more frequently. Sophie Graham from Sunny advises proactive preparation to maintain control over winter energy bills and improve overall home efficiency. ## Managing Heating Schedules Not all heating timers update automatically when clocks change, potentially causing systems to run at incorrect times. Homeowners should manually check and adjust their thermostat schedules to align with daily routines. Ensuring heating only operates when occupants are present prevents unnecessary energy expenditure throughout the colder months, leading to more manageable monthly costs. ## Radiator Maintenance Techniques Radiators that are warm at the bottom but cold at the top often contain trapped air, reducing heating efficiency. Bleeding these units with a radiator key and cloth allows the system to function correctly. After bleeding, homeowners must verify boiler pressure, as the process can cause a slight drop in the system pressure. ## Boiler Service Importance Boilers face increased demand during winter, making pre-season maintenance essential to avoid system failures. Scheduling a service with a Gas Safe registered engineer helps identify minor issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. Booking early ensures appointment availability before engineers become overwhelmed by the high demand typical of the winter season. ## Preventing Heat Loss Gaps around doors, windows, and letterboxes allow significant heat to escape, increasing energy waste. Inexpensive solutions like draught excluders, adhesive strips, and sealants effectively retain warmth. Additionally, simple behavioral changes such as closing curtains after dark and keeping internal doors shut between rooms help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the home. ## Optimizing Lighting Efficiency Darker evenings necessitate longer daily use of artificial lighting, impacting electricity consumption. Replacing traditional bulbs with LED alternatives significantly reduces energy usage and provides a longer lifespan. Homeowners should prioritize replacing bulbs in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room to spread the cost while maximizing the immediate energy savings. ## Billing and Meter Accuracy Submitting an up-to-date meter reading before winter usage peaks ensures bills reflect actual consumption rather than estimates. For those with smart meters, verifying that data is transmitting correctly is crucial. Establishing a clear baseline now allows households to monitor usage trends effectively and identify any discrepancies in their energy billing patterns. ## Financial Tariff Review Reviewing current energy tariffs and direct debit amounts before winter helps avoid unexpected financial strain. Checking for accumulated credit or existing debt allows for early communication with suppliers if adjustments are needed. Proactive management of these financial details ensures households remain comfortable and confident regarding their energy expenses throughout the winter. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2257375/uk-households-told-make-swap-before-sunday-october-25 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._