Residents across Birmingham are being advised to take immediate action to protect their homes from the cold, as Storm Goretti brings torrential rain, snow, and widespread disruption to the city on Friday, 9 January 2026.
Expert Advice to Keep Warm and Save Money
With the Met Office issuing an amber warning, British Gas service and repair engineer Joanna Flowers has issued crucial guidance for households. "If you wake up and your heating isn't working during a cold snap like this, don't panic," Ms Flowers said. She emphasised that there are simple checks people can perform themselves before calling for professional help.
A key recommendation is to seal windows and doors properly to keep draughts at bay. This simple step can significantly reduce heat loss and could lower annual energy bills by as much as £60.
Practical Steps for Households
Ms Flowers shared several other practical tips for Birmingham and West Midlands residents to stay warm efficiently:
Firstly, ensure your furniture arrangement allows radiators to work effectively. Don't block them with sofas or cabinets.
Embrace zonal heating by only warming rooms that are in use, and avoid heating empty spaces. This targeted approach can lead to substantial savings.
Insulate exposed pipes as soon as possible to prevent them from freezing. Once water inside turns to ice, pipes can crack or burst, causing serious damage and expensive repairs.
Long-Term Savings and Smart Tech
Finding and setting the ideal temperature for your home is also vital. Even a small, consistent adjustment can make a big difference, with average savings estimated at around £75 per year.
Households should also schedule their heating to match their daily routines, turning it on based on when people are actually at home.
Investing in a smart thermostat is highly recommended. These devices can optimise heating patterns automatically and are estimated to save users up to £174 annually on heating bills. Giving your boiler some regular 'TLC' (tender loving care) can also prevent breakdowns during future cold spells.
Commenting on the wider energy market, Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch, noted: "Households can now confidently sign up with these suppliers for a fixed deal that will effectively save them money twice." He explained that consumers can secure cheaper rates now during winter and will see prices drop further in April without any extra action required.
