With the clocks going back this weekend, how can you get the most out of those extra 60 minutes? Worcester Bosch is on hand to help you make that hour count!

28^th October, 2021: According to research from Brabantia, 86.4% of Brits find cleaning their home helps to boost their mood, whilst a study by Harvard Business Review found that individuals who live in cluttered homes were more likely to procrastinate doing basic tasks.

As the clocks go back this Sunday, why not channel your inner Mrs Hinch and use your extra 60 minutes to your advantage to get your house spick and span for the winter months ahead. 

To help you make the most of your newfound ‘power hour’, Worcester Bosch has identified seven simple tasks that can help you winter-proof your homes and get your boilers ready to last a chilly couple of months. 

60 MINUTES TO GO: Bleed Radiators

Releasing air that has been trapped inside your radiators throughout summer will help you to heat your home more effectively and reduce your energy bills in the winter months. 

Beginning with the downstairs radiators furthest from the boiler, locate the bleed valve, and place a towel under it to catch any water that may leak out. Using a key or a screwdriver turn the key anti-clockwise and listen for a hiss. Wait for the hiss to stop and turn the key back-around. Follow the same process in the house, moving from downstairs to upstairs. The whole process should take around 10 minutes. 

50 MINUTES TO GO: Book a Boiler Service 

Reach for your phone, as the next job on your list is to book in a boiler service, which will take just 2 minutes of your time. 

To ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently, it is recommended that your boiler should be serviced at least once a year. It’s likely also a requirement to validate your guarantee for many manufacturers. So, if you haven’t booked one in for a while, now is the perfect time to do so. 

Martyn Bridges, Head of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, comments: “In order to keep your boiler working as effectively as possible, it is important to book in regular boiler services, especially following a summer of infrequent use. Not having your boiler serviced could lead to faults, higher energy bills, and your warranty ending early, which is why I get mine serviced once a year.”

48 MINUTES TO GO: Find your stopcock 

While a stopcock rarely needs to be used, it is important to know where it is. Head to the kitchen, as in most homes the stopcock is located under the kitchen sink, and it should take you a maximum of 5 minutes to find.  

It is vital to know where yours is located in case of an emergency as shutting off the water supply could save you hundreds of pounds and the destruction of your home if a pipe does burst. 

43 MINUTES TO GO: Check your Lights

Time to tackle those pesky lights. As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, earlier, it is important to make sure you have a well-lit and safe path to do any outdoor chores, while also making sure those indoor lights are up and running too. 

It should only take you 10 minutes to check to make sure all your lights are beaming bright, and if any are dim, now would be the perfect time to fish around in your garage for a spare bulb. Replacing your indoor lights with LED bulbs, are more sustainable, and will help you save on your energy bills. 

33 MINUTES TO GO: Control your Heating  

After a chilly end of summer, it is very tempting to turn your heating up to the maximum and think nothing more of it.

However, to be a lot more efficient with making your heating system work around your schedule, and save some cash too, spend the next 15 minutes. programming your room and boiler thermostats. If you don’t have one already, now would be the perfect time to invest in one. 

According to Energy Savings Trust, room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves could save you £75 a year and reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 320kg, so it is definitely worth the investment. 

18 MINUTES TO GO: Winter Clean

Now back inside to make your interior feel cosy and fresh. A quick dust and spritz around, will have your home looking spick and span in no time. And with 15 minutes to spare, there is no better time to break the Spring Cleaning stereotype than by giving your home a Winter Refresh. 

3 MINUTES TO GO: Make a Brew 

Three minutes is the perfect amount of time to make yourself a warm drink and cosy up on the sofa, ahead of a successful winter refresh. 

After 60 minutes completing some quick and easy home tasks, your mind and home will be left at ease knowing you are ready for winter and the colder months ahead.

And the best bit? You’ve technically not even used up any of your Sunday!

To find out more about Worcester Bosch, head to their Heating Advice Hub to read more on how to prepare for the winter, live more sustainably and save on your energy bills, visit https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/heating-advice