Winter-proof your home with heating and freezer tips | Tenant news

Summer is coming to an end and as the colder months approach, it’s a great time to think about preparing your home for winter.

Steps like checking your boiler, sealing draughts, and keeping your freezer stocked can help keep your home warm, improve comfort, and reduce energy costs.

Boiler checks

As your landlord, we want to make sure your home stays warm, safe, and comfortable.

Each year, we are legally required to carry out a boiler and gas safety check to ensure your heating system, appliances, and supply pipes are working correctly and efficiently.

If your home is connected to the gas network, we’ll write to let you know when your check is due. A qualified gas engineer will visit your home to carry out the inspection and make sure everything is safe.

If you can’t make your gas safety appointment, tell us as soon as possible so we can arrange another time. Missing appointments repeatedly may mean we have to get legal permission to enter your home, and the costs could be passed on to you.

Between services, it’s important to keep an eye on your heating system. Check that your thermostat is set correctly and functioning as it should and consider bleeding your radiators if you notice cold spots on your radiator.

You should also keep an eye on your boiler and radiators for leaks or unusual noises. Always report any faults to us as soon as they happen rather than waiting for a breakdown, so we can carry out any necessary repairs quickly.

Seal in the warmth

Cold draughts can make your home feel chilly and increase heating bills.

You can help keep heat inside by sealing gaps around windows and doors, using draught excluders, and adding heavy curtains or thermal blinds.

In older homes, small gaps between floorboards can let cold air in, so rugs or draught-proofing strips can make a real difference.

Cold weather can cause condensation, which may lead to damp and mould. You can reduce it by keeping rooms ventilated, using extractor fans when cooking or showering, and opening windows for a short time to let fresh air in.

Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators or in small, enclosed spaces, and wipe down windows and windowsills if you notice moisture forming.

Please report any issues with damp and mould by completing our online form at www.habinteg.org.uk/mould-and-condensation.

Freezer essentials

Winter is a good time to make sure your freezer is well-stocked with essentials.

Labelling and organising your freezer helps reduce waste and makes cooking more convenient during the colder months.

If your freezer is running low or you need extra support, there’s help available. Charities across the country provide free hot and cold food, ingredients, and meals.

You can find information about foodbanks, community fridges, and hot meal services at www.habinteg.org.uk/food.

For more information on gas safety, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/health-and-safety.

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