Keeping warm and staying safe

We’ve experienced both cold snaps and very wet spells, including localised flooding, since the start of the year. With the unpredictable winter weather, we want to remind you of some simple steps you can take to look after your wellbeing.

Keeping your home warm cost-effectively

If you haven’t already then you can consider taking the steps below to maximise warmth in your home while being cost-effective:

• Use your curtains – Open your curtains to let the sunlight in during the day. If you close them before sunset, they will act as another layer of insulation, keeping warmth in and night-time chill out.
• Room and furniture layout – Arranging furniture such as sofas, chairs and dining tables away from chilly walls and windows will make things feel warmer. Also, keep furniture from blocking radiators as they can absorb the heat that could be warming your home. Moving furniture away from the radiator allows hot air to circulate freely.
• Turn down the dial – Research shows that turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bill by up to 10%. The Energy Saving Trust tells us that the lowest comfortable temperature is typically between 18°C and 21°C.
• Use timers on your central heating – The Centre for Sustainable Energy tells us that programming your boiler to turn the heating on a little earlier – such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning – but at a lower temperature, is cheaper than turning it on just as it’s needed at a higher temperature.

Warm spaces in your community

Warm spaces are open and available for anyone who needs a warm space to go to when out and about in their local community. You can find your closest warm space on the Warm Welcome website by simply entering your postcode.

Mental wellbeing

Things can feel tougher in the winter months so Daran B, the wellness and resilience programme lead from The Aster Foundation has shared some top tips to stay well through the winter months, from listening to music, to making the most of the sunshine there’s a mix of small steps to help. You can read the full guide here.

Flooding advice

Following the wet weather that has impacted much of the country, we were made aware of some isolated incidents where customers have reported flooding in their homes.

We want to remind all customers that if your home has been adversely affected by flooding, please call our contact centre on 0333 400 8222. We will then be able to make the necessary arrangements to support you and your home.

We would also encourage you to contact your home insurance provider. Flood cover is a standard feature of most home insurance policies, although there are some exceptions for homes in a high-risk flood area or if your home has been flooded before. In addition, certain parts of your home, such as any outbuildings or fences, might be excluded from the policy.

If you do contact your insurance provider, you may find it helpful to take photos of the damage that the flooding has caused as this can support your claim.