Reduce heating breakdowns this winter
We want to help you to stay warm and safe this winter by letting you know how to reduce the chance of breakdowns, leaks or other issues.
Let’s start with your heating…
Are you on a meter?
Keep your balance topped up and check the online comparison sites to ensure you’re on the best tariff.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms regularly by pressing the test button.
Test and prepare your heating. How do you do that?
If you have gas central heating:
- Turn your thermostat up to max for a couple of minutes and ensure your heating kicks in
- Check your boiler pressure – it should be between 1 and 2
- Bleed your radiators
- Consider putting your heating on a timer so your heating kicks in when you’re at home and if it falls below a certain temperature – the recommended setting during winter is 21 degrees
If you have electric heating (night storage or quantum)
- Ensure heaters are turned on at the wall
- Check that the settings are correct
- Check with your energy supplier that you are on the most efficient tariff to reduce the cost
If you use solid fuel:
- Get your chimney swept before you start using your appliance.
Test your alarms
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms regularly by pressing the test button.
Worried about affording your heating bills?
If you’re worried about affording your heating bills this winter, you may be eligible for a grant. To find out more contact Citizens Advice or visit Gov.UK.
You can still contact us to report a repair or emergency
You can report a repair here on the portal by logging into your account. if your heating and/or hot water supply fails over the winter call us immediately, we will aim to attend within 24 hours (priority is given to the most vulnerable). If we are unable to fix the fault on our first visit, we’ll make sure you have temporary heating until we can provide a permanent solution.