Prepare Your Gas Supply for Winter: 7 Smart Tips for UK Homes & Businesses

Why Preparing Your Gas Supply for Winter Is Essential

Check Your BBQ Gas Before You Cook

Before you light the burners, take a moment to check your gas cylinder. A quick shake can give you a rough idea, but for a more accurate check, weigh the bottle and compare it to the empty cylinder weight printed on the label. If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to keep a spare bottle of gas nearby for the patio heater—especially if you’re planning to cook for a crowd.

Cold snaps increase demand and can slow down deliveries, while low temperatures can affect appliance performance and regulator function. Preparing early ensures:

• Continuous supply (no last-minute scrambles)
• Safe storage and operation
• Better efficiency and cost control
• Compliance with UK safety guidance

Quick tip: If your usage rises in winter, consider switching to a scheduled delivery plan or placing an early order before peak season.

✅ Check Your Current Stock & Usage

Audit your cylinders:

• Count how many full and part-used bottles you have.
• Note sizes (e.g., 19kg/47kg) and typical consumption rates.
• Inspect for damage, rust, or leaks.

Estimate winter demand:

• Look at last winter’s usage and add a buffer for cold spells.
• If you’re opening for seasonal events (markets, outdoor dining, pop-ups), factor in additional heating/cooking hours.

Plan ahead:

• Aim to keep at least one spare cylinder (or more, if you’re high-usage).
• Set reminders for reorder thresholds (e.g., when your last cylinder is connected).

✅ Inspect Regulators, Hoses & Connections

Safety first:

• Check regulator condition (no cracks, corrosion, or ice buildup), and confirm it’s correctly rated for your appliance.
• Inspect hoses for wear, cracks, or stiffness; replace if in doubt.
• Ensure jubilee clips/fittings are tight and properly oriented (no twisting or kinks).

Leak testing:

• Apply a soapy water solution to connections; bubbles indicate a leak.
• Never use a naked flame to test for leaks.
• If you suspect a leak, turn off the supply and ventilate the area. Contact a professional.

Pro tip: Keep spare hoses and a regulator on hand—supply chains can slow down during peak winter.

✅ Optimise Cylinder Storage for Cold Weather

Choose the right location:

• Store cylinders upright, outdoors, and well-ventilated.
• Keep them on a stable, level base—away from drains, heat sources, and combustible materials.
• Ensure the area is easy to access for deliveries during icy or snowy conditions.

Protect from the elements (safely):

• Use a weatherproof cover or enclosure designed for LPG (ventilated), not sealed sheds.
• Avoid direct contact with standing water or salt runoff, which can corrode fittings.

Keep valves clean & dry:

• Wipe away frost/ice gently; don’t use boiling water or heat guns.
• Fit caps/plugs when cylinders are disconnected.

✅ Prepare Appliances for Peak Performance

Service before winter:

• Schedule a Gas Safe registered engineer (for mains gas appliances) or a qualified LPG technician to inspect burners, flues, and ventilation.
• Clean burner jets and filters to prevent weak flames and soot.

Ventilation & flues:

• Check vents are clear of leaves and debris.
• Confirm carbon monoxide alarms are installed, tested, and in-date.

Calibration & settings:

• Verify appliance pressure settings match your regulator/cylinder type.
• For mobile heaters or patio units, review the manufacturer’s winter-use recommendations.

✅ Improve Efficiency to Save Costs

Heat smarter:

• Use timers/thermostats and zone heating (only heat rooms you use).
• Seal draughts around doors and windows.
• Add reflective radiator panels and pipe insulation.

Choose the right cylinder:

• Switching to larger cylinders for high-demand periods can reduce changeovers and improve cost efficiency.

Monitor usage:

• Keep a simple usage log—date, hours used, cylinders swapped—to spot patterns and optimise orders.

✅ Emergency & Cold Snap Readiness

Build a mini contingency plan:

• Keep at least one spare cylinder.
• Ensure 24/7 emergency contact numbers are readily accessible.
• Train staff on safe changeover procedures and basic leak response.
• Maintain clear access for deliveries (grit icy pathways where possible).

✅ Compliance & Safety Essentials (UK)

• Never store cylinders indoors (except small camping canisters when allowed by manufacturer guidance).
• Keep ignition sources away from cylinder storage.
• Use only compatible regulators and hoses for the specific LPG type (propane/butane).
• Label storage areas where appropriate and maintain good ventilation.
• Call a qualified engineer for appliance faults, irregular flames, soot buildup, or repeated regulator freezing.

If you ever smell gas: Turn off the supply, ventilate the area, avoid using electrical switches, and contact a professional immediately.

Winter Readiness Checklist

Count cylinders and set reorder thresholds
Inspect regulators, hoses, and fittings
Perform a soapy water leak test on connections
Confirm outdoor, upright, ventilated storage
Clear flues/vents; test CO alarms
Book appliance service (pre-winter)
Add draught-proofing and insulation
Maintain delivery access; grit paths if needed
Keep emergency contacts and spare cylinder ready

FAQs

Q: How many spare cylinders should I keep?
For households, one spare is usually sufficient. For businesses or high-usage venues, keep two or more to cover peak periods and unexpected demand.

Q: My regulator has frost—what should I do?
Light frosting can occur in cold weather or high flow rates. Turn down demand, allow it to warm naturally, and check ventilation. If freezing persists, consult a technician to review regulator sizing and flow rate.

Q: Can I store cylinders in a garage?
It’s safer to store LPG outdoors, upright, and ventilated. Avoid enclosed spaces where gas could accumulate.

Serving London, Surrey & Berkshire All Winter

We deliver bottled gas across London, Surrey, and Berkshire, supporting homes, restaurants, event spaces, workshops, and more. If you’re planning winter events or expecting higher usage, we can schedule deliveries and help you choose the right cylinder sizes.

Always Be Prepared

Need to top up before the cold snap or want help choosing the right cylinders?
👉 Order now or get advice from our team: Contact The Gas Yard
Or call us to set up a winter delivery plan.