Could good maintenance reduce gas and electricity bills?

As the recession rumbles on, more Britons may be opting to stay put in their current home, rather than taking further steps up the property ladder.

However, they have been advised that this should not mean they forget to carry out basic maintenance on their current homes, as such action could save them money - which may include savings being made through lower gas and electricity bills.

Indeed, TV property expert Phil Spencer has asserted that basic home maintenance makes "good sense".

Basic maintenance 'to save money'

Speaking as part of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings' annual National Maintenance Week, the property surveyor stated that Britons should not forget about basic home maintenance.

"It's like dealing with your health - try to remember that prevention is always better than cure. In the long run regular maintenance of your home is far less intrusive and expensive than letting it fall into disrepair and then having to fix it up again," he added.

The event aims to encourage Britons to carry out such jobs, particularly as the winter weather approaches.

Indeed, Lindsey Walker, managing director at Jewson, said that tackling a small job now could stop it from becoming a big problem once the cold weather arrives.

One job in particular the scheme hopes to remind Britons of in keeping their gutters clear and in good condition.

Jobs for central heating

While keeping the exterior of a property in a good state of repair is advisable, Britons may also wish to ensure that their central heating systems are well maintained.

There are a number of simple jobs homeowners can carry out to make their central heating work more efficiently ahead of the winter - which could lead to cheaper gas and electricity bills.

One of these is to take the time to bleed all of a house's radiators to remove any trapped air bubbles, while placing a reflective panel behind the appliances can also boost efficiency by preventing heat from being absorbed into the walls and lost.

And consumers should keep in mind they need to schedule a gas boiler service ahead of the winter in order to check it is working efficiently and will not leave them out in the cold once the temperature drops.

Furthermore, a gas boiler engineer from Gas Safe^TM Register may be able to advise on the best appliance to improve central heating systems, resulting in increased home energy efficiency and lower gas bills.