A guide to staying safe and warm through winter | Tenant news

Winter can be tough but with a little planning and attention to your home and daily routine, it’s possible to enjoy a cosy and safe season.

Here’s how to prepare for the colder months.

Maintain a steady temperature

It's important to keep your home warm to avoid health problems. Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. 

If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. 

Around the house, closing doors, blocking draughts, and using curtains, blankets, or throws can help also help keep the heat in.

Wearing layers of clothes, thermal socks or slippers, and enjoying hot drinks or meals can help you stay comfortable even if rooms are cooler.

If energy costs are a worry, your supplier may offer payment plans or support schemes.

Habinteg’s Winter Support Booklet has plenty of practical advice on using your heating efficiently, making sure your heating and water supplies are ready for winter, and how to use hot water bottles safely.

Prioritise your health

Colder months can put extra strain on the body. Eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and moving around indoors are simple ways to support your wellbeing.

Keep on top of medications, consider flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and stock up on basic cold remedies to reduce the need for trips out.

Even in winter, it’s important to let fresh air in to prevent condensation, damp, and mould, which can cause damage to your home and health.

Open a window for a few minutes a few times a day, especially when cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors. Using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom can also help remove moisture quickly.

Read our Mould and Damp booklet for more advice on preventing mould.

Be prepared for emergencies

Winter can bring unexpected disruptions, so it’s useful to have a small “winter kit” ready. Include a torch, spare batteries, bottled water, snacks, and any essential medications.

It’s also important to know what to do if you have a problem with your boiler, heating or pipes –  read more on that in our article.

If you have any concerns about your boiler, Habinteg Direct is available at 0300 365 3100 or direct@habinteg.org.uk, and our out-of-hours service, NPA can be reached at 0345 601 3389 for urgent support.

And if you have Christmas lights, candles, and festive decorations around your home, don’t forget about fire safety over winter. See our Festive Fire Safety Tips guide for more information.

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