Latest news with #JessicaRawstron
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
DIY jobs Brits hate the most revealed including leaky taps and cleaning behind the fridge
Scroll down to see the full list DIY DITHER DIY jobs Brits hate the most revealed including leaky taps and cleaning behind the fridge Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE most-postponed home maintenance jobs in British homes include servicing boilers, clearing gutters, and cleaning behind the fridge. A poll of 2,000 homeowners revealed the top 20 overlooked tasks around the home, with replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and cleaning vents and fans also featuring on the list. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The DIY jobs Brits hate the most have been revealed Credit: Alamy It emerged more than one in 10 (12 per cent) think about these jobs on a daily basis – even if they rarely get around to actually doing them. And 20 per cent admitted they care more about how their house looks than the maintenance below the surface. Nearly a third (31 per cent) prioritise aesthetic tasks like painting walls or hanging pictures over functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers. Jessica Rawstron, engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: 'Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. Read more money DAD-ICATED LOVE The top 10 ways dads show love from doing DIY to sending an iconic emoji 'Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boiler servicing a prime example – especially before colder weather returns. 'Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months.' According to the research, two thirds of respondents would only take action on a home maintenance task if the problem became visible. And 38 per cent of people who have had something go wrong around the home had been putting off fixing it for ages, only for it to then break completely – with 31 per cent of people who have put off a job admitting this left them with a bigger, costlier problem down the line. The top reasons people put off these little jobs are lack of skills (27 per cent), the cost (26 per cent), and a lack of time (25 per cent). But 21 per cent of those polled via OnePoll worry about making the issue worse, while 15 per cent have looked at the weather forecast and decided to wait for a different day. British Gas has created a home maintenance checklist to give homeowners handy reminders for when tasks need doing throughout the year – whether that's the best time to bleed radiators or a date in the diary to sense check the thermostat settings and consider a smart tech upgrade. Spokesperson Jessica added: 'A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems. 'Regular maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve its value. 'Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently. 'With seasonal offers available, summer is a sensible time to make sure everything's in good working order before colder weather returns.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
DIY jobs Brits hate the most revealed including leaky taps and cleaning behind the fridge
THE most-postponed home maintenance jobs in British homes include servicing boilers, clearing gutters, and cleaning behind the fridge. A poll of 2,000 homeowners revealed the top 20 overlooked tasks around the home, with replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and cleaning vents and fans also featuring on the list. 1 It emerged more than one in 10 (12 per cent) think about these jobs on a daily basis – even if they rarely get around to actually doing them. And 20 per cent admitted they care more about how their house looks than the maintenance below the surface. Nearly a third (31 per cent) prioritise aesthetic tasks like painting walls or hanging pictures over functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers. Jessica Rawstron, engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: 'Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. 'Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boiler servicing a prime example – especially before colder weather returns. 'Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months.' According to the research, two thirds of respondents would only take action on a home maintenance task if the problem became visible. And 38 per cent of people who have had something go wrong around the home had been putting off fixing it for ages, only for it to then break completely – with 31 per cent of people who have put off a job admitting this left them with a bigger, costlier problem down the line. The top reasons people put off these little jobs are lack of skills (27 per cent), the cost (26 per cent), and a lack of time (25 per cent). But 21 per cent of those polled via OnePoll worry about making the issue worse, while 15 per cent have looked at the weather forecast and decided to wait for a different day. British Gas has created a home maintenance checklist to give homeowners handy reminders for when tasks need doing throughout the year – whether that's the best time to bleed radiators or a date in the diary to sense check the thermostat settings and consider a smart tech upgrade. Spokesperson Jessica added: 'A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems. 'Regular maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve its value. 'Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently. 'With seasonal offers available, summer is a sensible time to make sure everything's in good working order before colder weather returns.' Top 20 home maintenance jobs Brits put off gutters 2. Cleaning behind the fridge 3. Fixing a leaky tap 4. Fixing a squeaky door 5. Replacing a toilet seat 6. Servicing the boiler 7. Bleeding radiators 8. Installing a new tap 9. Cleaning vents and fans 10. Replacing kitchen appliances 11. Replacing a light bulb 12. Replacing a showerhead 13. Repairing a roof leak 14. Changing a door lock 15. Installing a doorbell 16. Installing curtain rods 17. Repairing plasterboard 18. Weatherproofing windows and doors 19. Unblocking a sink or toilet 20. Building a garden shed
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Top maintenance jobs Brits put off - with one in 10 thinking about them daily
A poll of 2,000 homeowners has revealed the top 20 home maintenance jobs Brits put off which can often lead homeowners paying more to fix them. A survey of 2,000 homeowners has unveiled the top 20 neglected maintenance jobs around the house. This includes replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and making sure vents and fans are clean. The study also found that one in 10 adults think about these tasks on a regular basis but rarely act on them. A fifth of homeowners confessed that they are more concerned about the appearance of their house than its underlying maintenance. The study discovered nearly a third prioritise aesthetic tasks such as painting walls or hanging pictures over functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers. Jessica Rawstron, an engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the study, stated: "Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. "Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boilers serving as a prime example – especially before colder weather returns. "Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months." According to the research, two thirds of homeowners would only take action on a maintenance task if the problem became visible. For 38% of people, neglecting the problem meant it was too late to fix, and it left them with a bigger, costlier problem down the line. The top reasons people put off these little jobs are lack of skills (27%), the cost (26%), and a lack of time (25%). But 21% of those polled via OnePoll worry about making the issue worse. British Gas has devised a home maintenance checklist to provide homeowners with useful reminders for when tasks need to be carried out throughout the year – whether that's the optimal time to bleed radiators or a reminder to check the thermostat settings and contemplate a smart tech upgrade. Jessica commented: "A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems. Regular maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve its value. "Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently. With seasonal offers available, summer is a sensible time to make sure everything's in good working order before colder weather returns." TOP 20 HOME MAINTENANCE JOBS BRITS PUT OFF: Cleaning gutters Cleaning behind the fridge Fixing a leaky tap Fixing a squeaky door Replacing a toilet seat Servicing the boiler Bleeding radiators Installing a new tap Cleaning vents and fans Replacing kitchen appliances Replacing a light bulb Replacing a showerhead Repairing a roof leak Changing a door lock Installing a doorbell Installing curtain rods Repairing plasterboard Weatherproofing windows and doors Unblocking a sink or toilet Building a garden shed
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Survey reveals top 20 home maintenance tasks Brits neglect, risking costly repairs
Survey reveals top 20 home maintenance tasks Brits neglect, risking costly repairs A study of 2,000 homeowners found that millions of people are avoiding vital home maintenance jobs, such as replacing showerheads and servicing boilers. Summer is a good time to catch up on essential maintenance (Image: Getty Images ) A survey of 2,000 homeowners has unveiled the top 20 neglected chores around the house, which include replacing shower heads, draught-proofing doors and windows, and cleaning vents and fans. The study revealed that one in 10 adults think about these tasks daily, yet they rarely find the time to tackle them. Instead, a fifth of homeowners confessed that they prioritise the appearance of their homes over essential maintenance. A third admitted they would rather focus on aesthetic tasks such as painting walls or hanging pictures, instead of functional ones like bleeding radiators or servicing boilers. The research revealed that two-thirds of homeowners would only address a home maintenance task if the problem became visible. Jessica Rawstron, an engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the study, commented: "Keeping on top of the little things around the house might not seem urgent, but it can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run." Brits often put off simple tasks (Image: Getty Images ) Jessica added: "Summer can be a good time to catch up on home maintenance tasks that have been forgotten or delayed, with boilers serving as a prime example." Article continues below "Think of it as an MOT for your boiler – it helps identify and resolve any potential problems early, and by booking one in the summer you can have peace of mind that your heating is in full working order before you need it during the colder months," she said. Four out of ten who experienced a malfunction around the house had procrastinated fixing it for a while, only for it to eventually break down completely. A third admitted this resulted in a larger, more expensive issue later on. The main reasons people delay these minor tasks include lack of skills, cost, and time constraints. However, 21 per cent of those surveyed are concerned about making the issue worse. British Gas has devised a home maintenance checklist, providing homeowners with useful reminders of when various tasks need to be carried out throughout the year. It includes optimal times to bleed radiators or setting a reminder to review thermostat settings and contemplate a smart tech upgrade. Jessica added: "A dripping tap or a patch of damp may seem minor now but left unchecked they can quickly turn into much bigger, and more expensive, problems. Regular maintenance not only safeguards your property but also helps maintain its value. Article continues below "Whether you own or rent, staying on top of small fixes is one of the simplest ways to avoid nasty surprises and keep your home running reliably and efficiently. " TOP 20 HOME MAINTENANCE JOBS BRITS PUT OFF: Cleaning gutters Cleaning behind the fridge Fixing a leaky tap Fixing a squeaky door Replacing a toilet seat Servicing the boiler Bleeding radiators Installing a new tap Cleaning vents and fans Replacing kitchen appliances Replacing a light bulb Replacing a showerhead Repairing a roof leak Changing a door lock Installing a doorbell Installing curtain rods Repairing plasterboard Weatherproofing windows and doors Unblocking a sink or toilet Building a garden shed
The Independent
27-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Why having your thermostat in the hallway could be costing you – and other heating mistakes
Many British households are making several common mistakes when it comes to keeping their home warm - that could be adding as much as £460 a year on to the average bill. Helpfully, British Gas smart energy engineer Jessica Rawstron has shared some common mistakes she often sees while out on the job. Rawstron says: 'Every winter, we see lots of households unknowingly waste energy, and risk issues such as boiler breakdowns by making simple heating mistakes. Being aware of these common errors, and avoiding them, can make a real difference with your energy bills.' Here, Rawstron highlights the common mistakes that people make, which could lead to some people throwing money away while they are heating their home: 1. Thermostat problems Ben Gallizzi, an energy specialist at told Bristol Live, the placement of the thermostat was of utmost importance. He said: "Placing it in a room that is colder than the rest of the house, such as a hallway, is a bad idea as it will turn on and off at the wrong times. "For example, if you open the front door and let in cold air, then the thermostat may tell your heating system to send out more heat as it thinks the whole house is below your desired temperature." People also made the mistake of having their thermostat too high. Rawstron said on frosty mornings and chilly nights, it can be particularly tempting to really ramp up the heating to a high temperature. But instead she suggests setting the main thermostat to between 18C and 21C, and popping on some extra layers if you're still feeling the cold, to save on heating bills. According to calculations from British Gas, for an average household, lowering the thermostat temperature by just one degree could save around £115 a year. 2. Having the boiler flow temperature too high Rawstron explains that, in the same vein as having the thermostat set too high, the boiler's flow temperature is another setting that could be costing some households. This is the temperature that the boiler heats water to before it reaches your radiators. According to British Gas calculations, some households could potentially keep around £65 in their pockets annually by making sure the boiler flow temperature is set between 55-60C, to help with optimum efficiency. Rawstron says: 'Altering the temperature on a conventional boiler with a hot water cylinder involves adjusting one dial. 'With a combination boiler with no hot water cylinder, there will be two dials, one for radiators and another for hot water. It's the radiator setting you'll need to change.' 3. Not making the most of smart technology 'Each winter, we see thousands of people miss out on big savings by not investing in smart technology for their home,' Rawstron adds. Smart thermostats can allow homeowners to set energy-saving schedules and alerts for if they leave the heating on when they're not at home. British Gas estimates that some homeowners could save as much as £175 per year on their heating bill. Rawstron says: 'Once you've invested in the tech, make sure to position it in the right location to maximise savings.' She says that good places to do this include the interior wall in either the hallway or in the living room. Rawstron also cautions: 'You should also avoid putting the thermostat too close to a radiator, direct sunlight or any draughts, as these can skew the temperature readings and lead to the thermostat under or overheating your home.' 4. Leaving hot water tanks without insulation. Every penny counts, especially during the colder months, and if your home has a hot water tank, not insulating it can add around £50 onto a household's energy bill a year, according to the calculations from British Gas. If you're wondering how to go about this, Rawstron explains: 'It's a quick and simple fix, with insulated jackets available online and from most DIY stores. 'Once fitted to the tank, the jacket will work to prevent heat loss, using less energy and money to keep the water warm.' 5. 'Welcoming' in the cold without realising While you may not be leaving doors and windows wide open in the middle of winter, there are other, less obvious ways that the cold can creep in. The escape of warmth not only makes your home less energy-efficient but it can also end up pulling on your purse strings. Draught-proofing around your windows and doors could potentially help a household to save around £60 per year alone, according to British Gas calculations. Luckily too, there are some simple ways to fix these invisible ways that money is 'leaking' out of the home. 'Self-adhesive foam strips are easy to fit on windows to prevent draughts, while draught excluders are perfect if there's a gap between your door and the floor,' says Rawstron. Cold air can enter the home through the tiniest of gaps, and keyholes and letterboxes can also be culprits. Rawstron says: 'Keyhole covers and letterbox brush strips are cheap to buy, quick and easy to fit and will stop those draughts.' In addition to Rawstron's tips, you may also want to consider the floor you're standing on. The Energy Saving Trust says that insulating the ground floor can be a great way to help keep a property warm. The Trust also suggests considering insulating any floors that sit above unheated spaces, such as garages. Hopefully that way you can avoid your money 'escaping' along with the warm air. People struggling with their bills should contact their provider and debt support charities can also help.
