Two lockdowns and various tier restrictions during 2020 have seen many of us having to be more self-sufficient than ever before. Some of us started on home renovations but others went back to basics, and no, we’re not talking making your own sourdough here...
This year has meant that when something in the home needs a speedy fix, or you want a home improvement project carried out, and you can’t call in a tradesperson, or ask your most DIY capable family member to make up for your lack of knowhow or experience, another alternative is needed.
The resource droves of us have turned to in our hour of need? It’s Google, of course. With a remedy needed in a hurry, or simply because spending swathes of time at home has made us want to improve our rooms, it’s the resource we tap into.
So what have UK homeowners been asking Google in 2020? We can reveal the top 10 most Googled questions below, thanks to research by JustBoilers.com. Just scroll down to find out, and don’t worry if these are issues you’re in the dark about, too. We’ve got the answers.
UK homeowners’ top 10 most Googled questions of 2020
1. How to bleed a radiator
You know the score: one of your radiators has cold patches, or maybe the rads upstairs aren’t heating up like the downstairs versions. Or perhaps they’re gurgling at you rather than silently doing their job.
As the number one most-asked question measured by average monthly searches, this has evidently been the problem for plenty of UK homeowners in 2020. Fortunately, it’s not a tricky issue to solve. Check out how to bleed a radiator and we’ll have you sorted in five easy steps.
2. How to read a smart meter
More and more of us have smart meters, but unfortunately they’re not all the same. There are different models, and meters for electricity and gas, and this might be the reason why it’s this query that comes in at number two in the top ten. Want to get smart meter savvy? You can find out everything you need to know about smart meters in our guide.
3. How to measure curtains
New window treatments were obviously on the agenda for many during 2020 with curtain-measuring issues taking the third spot in the top 10 of most Googled home questions. It’s not a tricky task, but good instructions are needed to avoid potentially costly (and, frankly, annoying) errors. Hurrah then that you can use our guide to how to measure for curtains and get it right first time.
4. How to fit/lay laminate flooring
The presence of this search query at number four says to us that staying in has definitely prompted room makeover plans. Laying laminate flooring is a great way to get the look of a wood floor without the expense – and if you lay it yourself rather than getting someone in it’s even more economical.
But how to lay laminate flooring? We’ve got all you need to know.
5. How to change lightbulb
It might be an easy job most of the time – barring tricky fixtures or broken bulbs – but with electricity involved, checking how to change a lightbulb correctly and safely is essential. With this appearing as the number five most Googled question, it’s apparent lots of homeowners have been doing just that.
And if you want to check your own knowledge is complete, just use our how to change a lightbulb feature.
6. How to hang a door
Internal doors that don’t suit the period or style of your home can compromise even the loveliest room scheme, and the fact that finding out how to hang a door is the number six most-asked DIY search question indicates these are a let-down for many.
Bear in mind that you will need a good set of tools, and some DIY experience to take on this job successfully. Think you might be better giving them a makeover instead? Find out how to paint a door.
7. How to remove radiator
When it comes to number seven, it sounds like this is the home decorators asking about taking a radiator off so they can decorate the wall behind. Of course, this is another job for which you’ll need to be equipped with the right tools and, as a radiator is heavy, you’ll likely need another person to help.
If you don’t like the idea of taking on a job that involves removing an element of your home heating system, you can either call in a professional to help (when current guidelines permit). Alternatively, use a long reach mini roller designed to fit behind the rad.
8. How to reset boiler
Let’s face it, if your boiler is going to conk out, it will do so at the least convenient moment. Calling in a professional is often the only answer, but there are steps you can take beforehand, including using the reset button, and you’ll find them in our feature Boiler not working? Try these 5 things before calling in an engineer.
Remember, though, that with this home fix or any other, safety comes first, so don‘t hesitate if you need a professional.
9. How to read a gas meter
Gas meters vary in design and you may have a digital, electronic or dial gas meter to check for a reading – or you might have a smart meter. Our advice? Visit the site of your gas supply company for guidance.
10. How to unblock a sink
It’s super annoying when a bathroom or kitchen sink gets blocked, but the Googlers who have put this query into the number 10 position have the right instinct. It may well be a problem you can solve yourself without calling out an emergency plumber – and incurring the costs that brings. Search no more, though, as the answer is right here in how to unblock a sink.
