Quick and cheap ways to winter-proof your home | Tenant news

As the weather gets colder, you might notice draughts around windows and doors or find that some rooms take longer to warm up.

There are a few things you can do to help keep the heat in and the draughts out across winter without spending much money.

Stop draughts

If you can feel cold air coming in around external doors or windows, check that that there are no obvious gaps.

If you have thicker curtains, put them up. They’ll help keep the cold out. And make sure you close your curtains as it starts to get dark to help keep warmth in.

A draught excluder can also help stop cold air coming through gaps under internal doors. You can buy one cheaply or make your own using a rolled-up towel. You can also get a brush strip for your external doors

Keep heat moving

Try not to place large items of furniture directly in front of radiators, as this can stop warm air from moving around the room.

If your radiators have thermostatic valves, you can adjust the temperature in individual rooms. You may want a lower setting in rooms you use less often.

If you’re drying clothes indoors, keep them away from radiators so they don’t block the heat.

Check your windows

Make sure your windows close properly and that you aren’t leaving them open unnecessarily.

If your windows have trickle vents, you’ll usually find these as small vents along the top of the window frame. Check that they’re open and not blocked, as they let a small amount of fresh air into your home while the window is closed.

If you notice a problem with a window or door that is letting in cold air, report it to Habinteg so it can be checked.

Test your heating

If you haven’t used your heating for a while, test it to make sure everything is working as it should. This gives you time to report any problems before the weather gets colder.

If you spot a problem with your heating, boiler, doors or windows, report it through the My Habinteg tenant portal or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.

For more advice on keeping your home warm and getting through the colder months, read our Winter Support booklet.

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