As we head into winter, off-grid businesses across rural Britain are gearing up for frosty mornings, colder days, and darker evenings, along with the ongoing challenge of rising energy costs. For many, the focus is on finding the right balance between comfort, efficiency, and operational budgets, while keeping things running smoothly.
For those who rely on LPG to power their operations and provide reliable heating and hot water, understanding how the changing seasons affect fuel usage is essential. With a little planning and a few practical steps, your business can stay warm, efficient, and firmly in control of your energy spend this winter.
Whether you run a hospitality venue, care home, manufacturing facility, or poultry farm, winter brings more than just frost and shorter days – it can also bring added pressure on energy use, costs, and continuity. That’s why Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for the UK’s liquid gas industry, is encouraging rural, off-grid businesses to ‘Get ahead for winter 2025’ and prepare now for the colder months ahead.
As a trusted LPG supplier with over 50 years of experience, at Robinsons Gas we understand how vital bulk LPG is in keeping rural and off-grid businesses running, from heating your premises and providing hot water to powering essential machinery and processes.
This winter, we’re here to help you prepare with confidence, efficiency, and peace of mind. In this blog, we’ll explore how colder weather can impact LPG usage, share practical steps to improve energy efficiency, and show how a little preparation now can save money, reduce stress, and even lower your environmental impact.
Cold temperatures drive up demand
It’s no surprise that as the temperature drops, your LPG boiler and heating system have to work harder to keep your premises warm and comfortable. That extra effort naturally means higher fuel consumption and higher costs. But that doesn’t just affect your bottom line – it also impacts your business’s carbon footprint. The more energy your system uses to compensate for the cold, the higher your emissions and overall fuel consumption.
That’s why improving efficiency isn’t just good business sense – it’s good for the environment too. By keeping your system in top condition and optimising how you use your energy, you can lower your running costs and reduce unnecessary emissions.
For example, in the hospitality and leisure sector, guests expect cosy spaces and hot water on demand, whatever the weather. In care homes, maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature isn’t just about comfort – it’s essential for residents’ health and wellbeing. And for agricultural businesses, such as poultry or livestock farms, stable indoor temperatures are critical for animal welfare and productivity. Each of these sectors relies heavily on commercial LPG, and even small improvements in efficiency can make a meaningful difference to both fuel use and sustainability.
Robinsons’ top tips:
- Book your annual boiler service. Regular maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer ensures your boiler and LPG system are performing at their best. A well-maintained LPG system delivers more heat per litre of fuel, reduces emissions, and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need heating most.
- Optimise your heating controls. Even small tweaks can have a big impact. Reducing thermostats by just 1°C can lower both energy usage and carbon output noticeably, without affecting the comfort of your employees. Programmable thermostats and timers help ensure heating is only active when and where it’s needed – saving energy and money, and reducing your environmental impact too.
Shorter days, longer heating hours – keeping production efficient and sustainable
As the nights draw in and daylight hours shrink, we all feel the chill – and so do our energy bills. With heating and lighting systems working overtime, it’s easy for energy consumption (and costs) to creep up. But smart energy management doesn’t just save money, it strengthens your sustainability credentials too.
At Robinsons Gas, we’re passionate about helping businesses stay comfortable and sustainable. Small changes can make a big difference to your bottom line and your sustainability goals.
Robinsons’ top tips
- Take control with tech. Install programmable thermostats and timers so your heating only kicks in when and where needed.
- Zone in on efficiency. Set your heating so warmth is focused where people or processes need it most.
- Let the light in. Use natural daylight during working hours, and close blinds at dusk to trap heat in and keep draughts out.
Battling heat loss
Winter winds and cold draughts don’t just make your workplace uncomfortable – they also drive up your LPG usage, increase fuel costs and make your spaces far less comfortable for people and processes alike!
Older buildings, barns, or warehouses are the biggest culprits, and particularly vulnerable to heat loss through gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
At Robinsons Gas, we know that battling heat loss is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to improve efficiency and cut carbon emissions. A little prevention goes a long way.
Robinsons’ top tips
- Draught-proof your buildings. A few low-cost, affordable upgrades like door seals, window strips, and weatherproofing kits can make a huge difference to comfort and disruption.
- Keep your LPG working smarter by upgrading insulation in roofs and walls to retain heat and reduce overall fuel use.
- In larger spaces like warehouses, poultry sheds, or workshops, install thermal curtains or partitions. They help contain warmth where it’s needed most.
Manage moisture and humidity – stay dry, stay efficient
Winter air doesn’t just bring the cold – it often brings dampness along for the ride. And while a bit of moisture might not sound like much, high humidity can make your buildings feel colder than they actually are, tempting staff to turn up the heat. The result: higher fuel consumption, unnecessary costs, and a less comfortable workspace.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. Excess moisture can quietly cause damage to walls, ceilings, equipment, and stored goods. Not to mention the havoc it can wreak on insulation. Damp insulation loses its effectiveness faster than you can say ‘energy efficiency’.
Robinsons’ top tips
- Use extractor fans or dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels in check. A well-aired space feels warmer and fresher without turning up the thermostat.
- Keep insulation dry and in good condition. Damp insulation doesn’t just invite in mould; it also leaks heat. Regular checks and timely maintenance will help you lock in warmth and efficiency.
- Regularly check around windows, doors, and roof spaces for sneaky leaks. A quick once-over can stop moisture creeping in unnoticed, and save costly repairs later.
Plan ahead with confidence – winter ready, stress free
Winter can test even the best-run operations. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and increased energy demand all put pressure on your business – but with the right planning and a trusted and reliable LPG partner by your side, your business can stay one step ahead.
At Robinsons Gas, we work closely with commercial customers of all sizes across every sector, from agriculture and hospitality, to industry, care, and beyond. Our aim is simple: to keep your operations warm, efficient, and worry-free, while helping you make smarter, more sustainable energy choices.
As your all-round better supplier, you can be sure you’re in safe hands. We support rural, off-grid businesses with reliable bulk LPG. Our experienced and friendly customer service, a reliable and efficient delivery service, and our in-house engineering division which performs all groundwork, installation and ongoing maintenance, without outsourcing help prevent boiler lockouts and costly downtime, and extend the life of your system, whilst providing an efficient, cost-effective, and seamless service!
Stay ahead of the chill with Robinsons Gas
To discuss your winter LPG needs or start the switch to Robinsons Gas, don’t delay. Get in touch with us today on 01347 238177.
Together, we’ll keep your business warm, efficient, and ready for whatever winter brings.