Get ready for winter

Payments

If you’re a prepayment customer make sure you have enough credit on your gas meter to keep your heating on when you need it throughout the cold season. If you anticipate difficulties getting to the shops to top up your key or card, consider getting a smart prepayment meter that will allow you to top up online or by phone instead.

If you are on a low income you may be eligible for the £140 Warm Home Discount to help with your heating costs. Check out the article from our last issue and apply now. Also, make sure you’re registered for Cold Weather Payments and/or the Winter Fuel Payment if you are eligible to receive these.

Check your appliances

If you have a gas boiler at home, it is essential you allow us access each year to carry out the annual service so we can check it is working safely and efficiently.

Familiarise yourself with your heating controls, whether that’s a programmer or storage heater. Learn to use these efficiently to concentrate the heat when and where you need it most. If you are on the communal heating system and pay us a regular heating charge, use this as your primary heating source.

If you use plug-in electric heaters, keep these away from furniture and belongings and don’t cover them with drying clothes. Make sure they are stable, so they won’t fall over, and plug them in the wall rather than using an extension lead. Unplug heaters and electric blankets when not in use, and as with any electrical equipment get them tested by a qualified electrician every few years.

Keep warm for less

There are lots of cheap and effective ways to feel warmer at home without turning up the thermostat and increasing your bills:

• Try draught proofing your home
• Add a jacket to your hot water tank
• Invest in a thicker duvet
• Line your curtains with a second layer of heavy fabric and remember to open them during the day to let sunlight in to warm your home
• Keep furniture away from radiators to feel the full effect of their heat.

If your radiators aren’t heating up properly, check out our article in this month’s issue for some easy DIY tips to solve common heating problems at home yourself.

For lots more advice and tips on how to keep warm and lower your fuel bills contact Southampton Healthy Homes.