We are very aware that the rise in cost of living and increased energy prices will affect all our tenants this winter. Here are our top tips for keeping your home warm and damp free:
Airflow & Ventilation
With energy bills rising and temperatures dropping, it may seem like a good idea to shut all the windows to keep the heat in. However, this can lead to condensation and damp. Open your windows in humid rooms e.g., kitchen and bathroom for an hour or so at a time each day to avoid creating condensation.
Avoid Drying Washing Inside
If possible, but where you have no other option, choose one room in the house to use where you can have the heating on, a window open and door shut to keep the condensation in one area.
Keep an Eye on External Areas
Carry out visual checks of the gutters, roof and external pipes at your home and report any areas of concern to us as soon as possible.
Set a Constant Temperature
If you home is gas centrally heated, it is much more economical to have your boiler on constantly but set at a lower temperature, usually 18 degrees. This avoids the costly element of your boiler needing to fire up twice a day.
Close your Curtains at Night
In the day it’s important to try to use as much natural, free heat (in the form of sunlight) as possible. But when dusk falls, closing your curtains will help your home retain that heat. This helps keep warmth in the room but try not to drape them over radiators.
Use Radiator Thermostats
Don’t heat the whole house when you’re only spending the day in one room. If your home has radiators with valves in each room, or separate electric heaters, use the higher setting for the room(s) you will be in and turn all the others down to the lowest setting.