Advice on preparing for Winter

Wed, Nov 30th, 2011
The Sure Group Team has prepared some simple tips that you may wish to share with your customers so that they can stay warm and safe in their home during the winter. There is also some general heating advice.

CENTRAL HEATING ADVICE FOR WINTER

A warm home during the day To keep warm at home during the day try to:

• heat your main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F)

• heat all the rooms you use in the day

• make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed

• set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed

In very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up. This means you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up

A WARM HOME AT NIGHT

To keep safe and warm at home during the night you should:

• try to keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight

• open the window or door a little at night for ventilation if you use a heater in your bedroom during winter

• never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off

• unplug blankets before you go to bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use

• get your electric blanket tested every three years for safety – Age UK or your local fire and rescue service may be able to do this for you

KEEP THE HEAT IN WITH INSULATION

Insulation makes your home warm and healthy and will also help to keep your heating costs down. It’s a good idea to:

• fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors

• make sure your loft has at least 10–11 inches (270 millimeters) of insulation - any home with 4 inches (100 millimeters) or less should have it topped up

• insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes

SURE GROUP WINTER ADVICE

Before calling out an Emergency Heating Engineer always check that:

• You have Credit on your Gas Meter

• You have credit on your Electric Meter

• Your Room Thermostat is turned up enough

• All switches to the boiler are in the “on position”

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