Frequently asked questions
Plumbing
Energy and heating
Emergencies
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Healthy homes toolkit
Prepare for bad weather and prevent problems with our seasonal tips.
Cold weather can cause common issues like frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns. Here’s how to prepare:
- Check taps and pipes: fix dripping taps before temperatures drop.
- Know your stop tap: most are under the kitchen sink. Learn how to turn it off.
- Insulate pipes: use pipe lagging to prevent freezing.
- Keep heating on low: A steady background heat helps prevent frozen pipes and condensation.
- Report issues early: if you notice leaks or faults, let us know straight away.
Energy bills can be a big strain, but small changes make a big difference:
- Use your thermostat programmer: set heating and hot water to come on only when needed.
- Recommended temperatures: 21°C for living rooms, 18°C for other rooms.
- Close curtains at dusk: stop heat escaping through windows.
- Switch off unused appliances: avoid leaving devices on standby.
- Smart meters: track your usage and reduce costs.
Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould. Prevent it with these tips:
- Ventilate: open windows when cooking, bathing, or drying clothes indoors.
- Use extractor fans: especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep lids on pans: reduces moisture in the air.
- Avoid blocking vents: don’t overfill cupboards or cover trickle vents.
- Maintain steady heat: low background heating is better than short bursts of high heat.
Your safety is our priority. Here’s what you can do:
- Fire safety: test smoke alarms regularly, keep escape routes clear, and never leave cooking unattended.
- Emergency readiness: prepare for power cuts and floods by joining the priority register and keeping essentials handy.
- Home contents insurance: protect your belongings from theft, fire, and damage.
- Extra support: if you’re struggling with rent, money, or energy bills, our “let’s talk” services can help.
Winter preparation
Cold weather can cause common issues like frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns. Here’s how to prepare:
- Check taps and pipes: fix dripping taps before temperatures drop.
- Know your stop tap: most are under the kitchen sink. Learn how to turn it off.
- Insulate pipes: use pipe lagging to prevent freezing.
- Keep heating on low: A steady background heat helps prevent frozen pipes and condensation.
- Report issues early: if you notice leaks or faults, let us know straight away.
Energy saving
Energy bills can be a big strain, but small changes make a big difference:
- Use your thermostat programmer: set heating and hot water to come on only when needed.
- Recommended temperatures: 21°C for living rooms, 18°C for other rooms.
- Close curtains at dusk: stop heat escaping through windows.
- Switch off unused appliances: avoid leaving devices on standby.
- Smart meters: track your usage and reduce costs.
Condensation and mould prevention
Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould. Prevent it with these tips:
- Ventilate: open windows when cooking, bathing, or drying clothes indoors.
- Use extractor fans: especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep lids on pans: reduces moisture in the air.
- Avoid blocking vents: don’t overfill cupboards or cover trickle vents.
- Maintain steady heat: low background heating is better than short bursts of high heat.
Safety in your home
Your safety is our priority. Here’s what you can do:
- Fire safety: test smoke alarms regularly, keep escape routes clear, and never leave cooking unattended.
- Emergency readiness: prepare for power cuts and floods by joining the priority register and keeping essentials handy.
- Home contents insurance: protect your belongings from theft, fire, and damage.
- Extra support: if you’re struggling with rent, money, or energy bills, our “let’s talk” services can help.