Winter Weather Tips

To help keep you and your home as warm and safe as possible, it’s a good idea to do some regular home maintenance checks. Here are some tips and links to help you get the most out of your home and reduce your energy costs where you can.

• Problems with your heating or hot water

One of the most important things you can do is making sure your heating and boiler are working properly before it gets cold.

If you are customer who rents their property from us, then we carry out annual gas safety checks in your home. If your check is due, please keep your appointment. These checks are legally required and important for your safety. If you’ve missed your appointment or need to change it, get in touch to rebook it as soon as possible.

If you’re a shared owner or leaseholder, you are responsible for your own gas boiler and appliances and you should use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix and service your appliances.

Top tips for your heating

• Check the pressure on your boiler. It will run best at around 1 to 1.5 bar, and you can check this via the gauge on the front of your boiler unit.
• If your boiler stops working in icy weather, you might have a frozen condensate pipe. This pipe is usually of white plastic and runs from the boiler through the wall to an outside drain. It’s quick and easy to defrost yourself .
• Check your radiators to see if it is hot at the bottom and not the top. If so, there’s too much trapped air and you need to bleed the radiator so hot water can fill the whole system and release more heat into the room.

Reduce condensation and keep your home warm

There are several things you can do to keep your home and let out any moisture to avoid condensation, reducing the risk of damp and mould.

• Move any sofa or other big items of furniture so they’re not blocking heat coming from radiators
• Use your timer to turn the heating up for when you need it and on low when you are out
• Set your water temperature to 60°C so that you’re not spending more on energy than you need to
• If you have one, use the controller and set the hot water and heating to come on so they are ready for the times when you need them

• Clear walkways

At this time of year, the weather can be against us when it comes to slips and falls – to try and avoid these it’s a really good idea to clear any leaves from your pathway on a regular basis and keep in grit should you need it when the ice strikes. You can contact your local council as sometimes they will supply grit.

• Keep draughts at bay

A great way to be more effective with heating your home can be to stop the heat escaping. Simple items like draught excluders for doors can make all the difference! Also be sure to close your curtains! Plenty of heat can escape through windows, but simply closing the curtains before it gets dark can retain the warmth in your home.

• Drains and gutters

To stop blockages, it’s recommended you clear your drains and gutters on a regular basis to prevent water damages such as mould and damp, along with leaks too.

Tips on staying well and looking after your friends and neighbours:

• Keep in contact with trusted callers, friends and relatives should you need help and keep your mobile phone charged.
• Look out for your neighbours and family. If you are concerned you can reach out to your local council, or Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.
• If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine make sure you have one. To find out if you are eligible you can check on the NHS website.
• Feeling unwell? Don’t wait it out, head to your nearest pharmacy for advice.
• Keep your home heated to at least 18 degrees Celsius.
• Wear warm clothes – layers are best, including a hat!
• If heading out in icy conditions, wear boots or shoes with suitable grips.
• Make sure you have enough food and medicines.
• Check the weather forecast regularly so you can plan in advance. You can check your local forecast and any weather warnings online at The Met Office.
• Have regular hot drinks and food.

No water or low pressure

Prolonged cold weather can cause the pipes to freeze. If you have no water or low pressure in cold weather this could be due to a frozen or damaged pipe in or outside your home.

First check with neighbours to see if they are affected as there may be a local issue.

If the issue is a frozen pipe in your property then you can visit your local water company’s website to find helpful guides on how to safely get your water running again.

• United Utilities
• Severn Trent
• Yorkshire Water