With winter just around the corner and the arrival of cold, damp weather, we must prepare for the winter months ahead.
It's more important than ever to do what you need to do to keep your home warm and yourself safe during the winter amid the rise on the cost of living.
Below information we've pulled together to help you prepare, hoping you and your family stay warm and safe.
Heating, boilers and radiators
- Test your heating, boilers, and radiators before you actually need it. We strongly advise you to test your heating for one hour per week to make sure that it’s functioning properly. If you find the heating isn’t working as it should, you can contact us at 01386 420 800 so we can arrange any necessary repairs before the colder months arrive.
- If rooms aren't heating up or radiators feel cold at the top and hot at the bottom, it could be a sign that there’s trapped air inside. Your radiators need bleeding to let this air escape.
- After bleeding your radiators, check your boiler pressure. Your boiler pressure is usually indicated on the boiler by a dial. When the system is cool, the right boiler pressure is between 1 and 1.5.
- Make sure that your radiators aren’t covered by curtains or furniture.
Temperature at home
Cold weather can be bad for your health, particularly if you are over 65 or already live with a condition. Ideally, your home should be heated to at least 18°C.
If you are struggling about your energy bill, advice and support are available. Please check the links at the end of this story.
Pipes and plumbing
Cold weather can freeze pipes, so it's a good idea to keep your home warm by putting the heating on, even at low temperatures and regularly running water through your taps. Frozen pipes can cause lots of problems including burst pipes.
If you think you have a burst pipe, turn the water off in your home and report a repair.
Gas safety
We need to carry out gas checks at your home to ensure your heating system works properly and to keep you safe.
If you suspect you have a gas leak, you must phone the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 and ensure you are safe before calling us.
Reduce damp, mould and condensation
Some homes suffer from damp, which can lead to mould. Mould is usually found in places where there is poor air flow and cold spots. There are lots of reasons why a home can be damp, with condensation being the most common.
As a responsible landlord we take our responsibility seriously in ensuring that people living within our homes are safe and free from damp, mould and condensation.
As a resident, there are easy ways to manage and help prevent condensation, damp and mould in your home.
Check out our webpage Reduce damp, mould and condensation to get some guidance on how to avoid excess moisture in your home and how to minimise the risk of mould appearing.
Contact us if you need a repair so we can arrange it before the colder months arrive. Tel:01386 420800.
Keep well and stay connected
Stay as active as you can. Any exercise can bring health benefits. If you need help, speak to your GP, pharmacist, carer, or key worker for advice.
Also, keep in touch with friends and your community. Look out for others and ask how they stay warm during cold weather.
We are here to support you.
If you are struggling to make ends need, advice and support are available. Check below websites offering advice or where you can apply for support.
Energy bills support and advice
- Act On Energy- Energy Efficiency, Grants & Advice
- Get Help - National Energy Action (NEA)
- Energy Saving Trust
- Home - Warm and Well
Cost of Living Support
- Cost of living support - Wychavon District Council
- Redditch Borough Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Worcestershire County Council
- Tewkesbury Borough Council
