Our annual 'winter ready' campaign aims to support our residents through the coming months with useful hints and tips to help you keep yourself, and your home, safe and warm.
Time to test your central heating! Simply turn your system on for 15 minutes and check that the radiators are getting hot. Note:We have a legal obligation to service your boiler every year to ensure that it is safe and working correctly. A gas contractor will contact you annually to arrange this service directly. If they cannot get access we will contact you to try and arrange another, mutually convenient, appointment. To avoid the risk of having your gas supply capped (due to having an un-serviced boiler) we ask all residents to ensure our gas contractor is provided with access to your home.You will know our gas contractor by their ID badge.
Bleed radiators of air if you find they are not getting hot at the top. Use a radiator key* to and open the small valve at the top and to the side of the radiator slightly until water begins to drain out – tighten back up quickly! https://youtu.be/sjyEkLwHtTc *If lost, replacement radiator keys can be purchased at a minimal cost from your local DIY store.
You should be testing your smoke / carbon monoxide detectors regularly.https://www.stonewater.org/media/1025/time_to_test.pdfRemember; if you have battery operated alarms make sure that you have spare batteries for replacements just in case. If you suspect mains operated detectors are faulty call us on 01202 319119
If you have electric storage heaters don’t forget to turn up the ‘input’ charge to make sure you have sufficient stored heat for the colder nights.
Keep a regular eye out for weather warningsin your area so you are prepared for snow, ice or storms.
During the winter months, when there’s a big difference between the temperature inside and outside, it’s important to know how to reduce condensation at home. For details visit: www.cse.org.uk/advice/advice-and-support/damp-condensation
If you haven’t done so already, check your central heating is working correctly. To do this: - Turn your heating on (and ensure the timer is working) - You should keep your main living room around 21°C, and the rest of your home heated to at least 18° - After 20 minutes, check your radiators are starting to get warm (from the bottom up) If your radiators are not warm after 30 minutes residents should contact us on: 01202 319119
Try this handy calculator - tell MoneySavingExpert.com what your current energy tariff is and they'll tell you if you're overpaying. Then, because many tariffs are only cheap in the short-term, they'll continue to monitor the market and email you if you can save more money by switching: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub
Check any existing pipe insulation (only where visible) to make sure it is in good condition to protect your external pipes and taps from freezing in cold weather.A cheap way to protect pipes, if insulation is missing, is to wrap them in old towels or blankets. Take particular care of 'condensate' pipes during low temperatures, as it is possible that 'condensate' pipes may freeze (if the pipe exits to the outside of your property). These are usually white overflow pipes; similar to ones you may find on a washing machine or sink waste pipe, and are designed to allow your boiler to dispose of any condensation to an outside drain. NEVER pour warm water over frozen external pipework as this can freeze immediately in sub-zero conditions, burst pipes and create a slip hazard. The pipe will usually be located on an external wall - outside from where your boiler has been installed.
Check that your home contents insurance is up to date - lights, candles and decorations at Christmas time increases the risk of fire.
It's important to keep warm in winter: To help to prevent colds, flu and other health problems, national guidelines advise you heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) and, if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.
Visit our designated web page to see our office opening hoursover the festive period- Link to follow
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics or other medication, don’t forget to pick up your prescription before the Christmas holidays start. Many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays
If you need medical help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk
With 2 million people over 75 living alone* please take a minute to check on your neighbours during the holidays. It will brighten their day and could even save a life. If you're worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66. *Source: Age UK August 2016
Our revised Christmas and New Year office opening hours are: Mon 24 December - 9am - 5pm Tues 25 December (Christmas Day) - Closed Wed 26 December (Boxing Day) - Closed Thurs 27 December - 9am - 5pm Fri 28 December - 9am - 5pm Sat 29 December - 9am - 1pm Mon 31 December (New Years Eve) - 9am - 5pm Tues 1 January (New Years Day) - Closed
Note: Outside office hours our usual out-of-office service will still be available (for emergencies only) via 01202 319 119
Reminder to check your smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms again - You should test your alarms regularly throughout the year. Make sure if you have battery operated alarms that you have spare batteries available as just in case replacements. If you suspect your mains operated detectors are faulty, remember to give us a call. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/firekills
Need help with energy costs? - Start planning for next winter by working out a budget to ensure you can meet your higher winter energy bills. Visit:www.stonewater.org/moneymatters
To accompany the above hints and tips we have also designed the following set of helpful A4 posters which have been specifically created for our older residents:
