Households could save around £175 a year with two simple energy-saving steps.
The advice comes as the energy price cap rises in October.
Ofgem has confirmed a 4% increase in the cap, raising the typical annual bill from £1,663 to £1,723 for those paying by direct debit.
Heating expert Rob Nezard from UK Radiators is urging people to prepare their heating systems now.
Mr Nezard said: "With bills going up again in October, now is the time to make sure you're not paying for heat that isn't actually benefiting your home.
"The worst time to discover your heating isn't working efficiently is the first properly cold week of the year, when everyone else is switching theirs on too.
"There are several simple checks you can make now while heating demand is still relatively low.
"The aim isn't to sit in a freezing house this winter.
"It's to make sure the heat you're paying for is actually heating your rooms properly."
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing around windows, floors, and doors could save around £55 a year.
Turning the thermostat down from 22°C to 21°C could save another £120.
Together, these changes could save households around £175 annually, though actual savings will vary.
Mr Nezard recommends turning on the heating before temperatures drop.
He said: "Put the heating on and physically check every radiator.
"You're looking for radiators that aren't warming up, have cold areas, or take significantly longer than others to heat.
"Doing this now gives you time to identify problems rather than discovering them when you actually need the heating."
Feeling the top and bottom of radiators can help diagnose issues.
Mr Nezard said: "If a radiator is cold towards the top, trapped air could be preventing hot water from circulating through the whole radiator and it may need bleeding.
"If you're repeatedly having problems, or the radiator remains cold after basic checks, that's when it's worth getting the system looked at rather than simply turning the thermostat higher."
He also advises bleeding radiators before the heating season begins.
Mr Nezard said: "Bleeding a radiator is one of the simplest bits of winter preparation, but people often wait until December to think about it.
"If you've got cold spots at the top of a radiator, deal with them before you're relying on the heating every day."
He reminds homeowners to follow system instructions and seek professional help if unsure.
Checking thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) is also important.
Mr Nezard said: "Walk around the house and check that your valves actually move and aren't stuck after months of little or no use.
"Think about how you use each room too.
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"A spare bedroom doesn't necessarily need to be heated in exactly the same way as the living room you're using all evening."
He warns against blocking radiators with furniture.
Mr Nezard said: "Radiators need to transfer heat into the room.
"Putting a large sofa directly in front of one can mean you're heating the furniture before you're effectively heating the space around it.
"Before winter, look at where your furniture is positioned and give radiators space to work."
Draught-proofing can also make a big difference.
Mr Nezard said: "One of the simplest things households can do is look at where heat is escaping.
"Draughts around doors and windows can quickly undo the work your heating system is doing.
"You don't necessarily need to spend hundreds of pounds.
"Simple draught-proofing measures can help, while closing curtains once it gets dark and shutting doors between rooms can keep the heat you've already paid for where you actually want it for longer.
"Before turning the thermostat up, look at whether you're losing heat unnecessarily."
Will you be trying these tricks? Let us know in the comments.
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