Things are pretty frosty in the UK, to say the least. 

As we start a new year - it could be the perfect time to think about protecting your home this winter, and starting 2026 off right.

Preparing for low temperatures and frosty conditions will not only lower your energy bills and prioritise your health and safety, but will also prevent damage to your home from harsh weather.

Follow these tips and avoid unexpected expenses and unwanted insurance claims.

Protect your home against the main winter risks:

• Frozen pipes
• Storm damage
• Burglary
• Fire hazards
• Damp and mould
• Energy inefficiency
• Lack of accessibility

AT A GLANCE

Save energy when costs are high. Home energy prices in the UK rose by 2.6% in real terms in April-June 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024, driven mainly by gas prices rising by 7.8%.*1

Preventing frozen pipes

You can always expect a couple of icy spells each year, and those can damage your pipes. Here’s how to prepare:

• If you’re going away, try setting your radiators to ‘frost protection’ mode, or if you have a smart thermostat, switch it to anti-frost mode to help prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Consider lagging the outside pipes and those in your loft to prevent them from freezing and bursting when the temperature drops. Lagging just means wrapping foam tubes around your water pipes. It’s affordable, and you can give it a try yourself.
• Make sure you know where the stop tap is and check that it works, in case you need to shut off the water supply.
• Keep your heating on low if you’ll be away for a while.
• See our guide on reducing the risks of frozen or burst pipes.

AVOIDING STORM DAMAGE

When winter rolls around, you’re more likely to see high winds, storms, and occasionally snow, all of which can negatively affect your home. You may want to take a few steps to help prevent damage.

• Find out whether a storm is due by checking the Met Office weather forecast.*2
• You can also sign up for flood alerts from the Environment Agency if your home is at risk of flooding.*3

• Take a look at your roof for any missing tiles, and don’t forget to check the felt on your sheds and garages. It might be a good idea to call in a professional instead of trying to inspect those high roofs yourself.
• Keep your gutters, gullies and drains, including downpipes, clear of leaves.
• Prepare for high winter winds by taking steps, such as securing loose objects and keeping trees pruned (you may need to check with your local authority to ensure they aren’t subject to a Preservation Order).

KEEP BURGLARS AT BAY

The long winter nights may provide extra cover for burglars. Here’s how you can make your home less of an easy target without spending much or anything at all:

• Lock your windows and doors.
• Don’t leave spare home or car keys in view from outside, or near windows or letterboxes (burglars are aware of every hiding place, including false stones)
• Store garden tools, which burglars could otherwise use to break a window and gain entry. Find out how to keep your shed secure.
• Ask a neighbour to park a car in your driveway if you’re going away, to give the impression you’re at home.
• Put up a cheap ‘beware of the dog’ sign whether or not you have a dog.
• Join the Neighbourhood Watch4 for safety tips and learn about any community issues on Crimestoppers.*5
• For long-term prevention all year, consider installing smart security devices, such as video doorbells and motion sensors.
  

MINIMISE FIRE HAZARDS

During winter, things such as open fires, lit candles and fireworks can make house fires more likely. Follow these tips to help keep the risk as low as possible:

• Install a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, as both are essential for safety. Remember to test them monthly.
• Don’t leave candles unattended, especially in a draughty spot or somewhere they could get knocked over.
• It’s a good idea to have a guard in front of an open fire if you’re stepping out of the room.
• Buy a couple of fire extinguishers – keep them handy and know how to use them.
• Don’t fill a chip pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
• Always switch off electric blankets before getting into bed and make sure they carry a safety mark.
• Read our guide about other steps you can take to help prevent a house fire.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COST OF LIVING

UK energy prices have gone up and down a lot in the past five years, so many people wait until the last minute to turn on the heating. In 2023-24, approximately 3.2 million households in England struggled to keep warm during the winter.*6

As well as preventing frozen pipes, follow these practical energy-saving tips to help keep your home warm in winter:

• Bleed your radiators
• Add insulation
• Use thermal curtains
• Install radiator reflectors
• Service your boiler
• Discover many other ways to make your home more energy efficient.