Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter

Before winter fully arrives, it's worth checking that your heating system is working as it should.

• Test your heating and radiators regularly.

• Keep furniture away from radiators to let heat to circulate around the room.

• Close internal doors to help keep warmth where you need it most.

• If you're going out for a short time, turn your heating down rather than switching it off completely.

A warm home is important for both comfort and wellbeing during the colder months. If you're experiencing issues with your heating or hot water, report them to us as soon as possible.

Many homes lose heat through small gaps and everyday habits. Try these simple energy-saving measures:

• Close curtains or blinds as soon as it gets dark to help keep warmth inside.

• Keep windows closed during cold weather. If you have any gaps in your windows which let in draughts, get in touch ensuring any gaps or draughts are addressed where possible.

• Use draught excluders around doors to stop warm air escaping.

• Move furniture slightly away from external walls to allow warm air to circulate.

These small changes can help your home stay warmer for longer without increasing your energy use.

Making sure your home is well ventilated during the colder months can prevent damp and mould. Simple steps you can take include:

• Open windows for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate.

• Use extractor fans when cooking or bathing or open windows.

• Regularly check your extractor fans are working, if not report it to us as soon as possible. Remember not to block, cover or decorate over extractor fans and regularly clean them.

• If you are drying clothes inside your home, do this in a heated, well-ventilated room.

• Wipe down surfaces where condensation has built up.

Freezing temperatures can sometimes cause pipes to freeze and burst. To reduce the risk of burst pipes, water damage and disruption you should:

• Know where your stop tap is located.

• Keep your heating on at a low temperature during very cold spells, especially if you're away from home.

• Allow taps to run briefly during long periods of freezing weather if advised.

Taking steps like these can help avoid burst pipes, water damage and disruption.

Winter is also a good time to make sure your home remains safe.

• Test your smoke alarms regularly.

• Check carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly.

• Keep torches charged and accessible in case of a power cut.

• Avoid using candles as a primary light source.

• Carrying out these quick checks can provide peace of mind through the colder weather.

If you’re worried about heating costs we’re here to help. Visit our Money Advice page which has some useful information and links, which aim to highlight some of the support available to you.

We understand that winter can be a challenging time for many households. If you're worried about energy bills or finding it difficult to manage household costs, you may be able to access support. Our team can help point you towards advice, guidance and services that could make things easier.