Tips to manage rising energy bills this winter

Tips to manage rising energy bills this winter image - PlusHeat - UK

Research warns that energy bills could rise as much as 30% if gas and electricity prices continue to soar and more suppliers go bust. As we head into winter, wholesale gas and electricity prices continue to reach new records and the energy market and households throughout the UK remain on edge.

Sliding temperatures mean keeping warm and dry is a priority, so many of us are reaching for the thermostats but ever conscious of the growing energy bills!

During the long, dark nights, we use lights for longer periods of time, turn on heaters, and tend to stay in, often watching TV.

We tend to wear a lot of layers in the winter, and those bulky jumpers take up more space in the washing machine. We’re doing more laundry cycles as a result. Continue reading “Tips to manage rising energy bills this winter”

Should I turn my boiler off in the summer?

Image showing should I turn my boiler off in the summer

Let’s face it. Good weather is never guaranteed in the UK and there’s no telling what kind of summer we’re about to have. But when the sun is shining and it’s warm outside, it seems the perfect time to save on energy bills. Should you turn off your boiler entirely though the warmer months?

It depends. Key considerations include…

What type of boiler you have

Older boiler with pilot light? It’s probably a good idea to turn it off entirely otherwise the boiler will continue to burn gas.
Newer, more efficient boiler? They tend to use barely energy when in ‘standby’ anyway.
Combi boiler? Some even have a summer and winter setting – problem solved!

What appliances you use

Your boiler will need to heat up water for showers, baths and washing dishes. Have an electric shower? Don’t bathe often? You could easily save yourself money by turning off your boiler completely.

Most modern white goods, like washing machines and dishwashers with hot and cold fill, should have no problems without the boiler as they use cold water and heat it themselves.

Make sure you test your boiler

You’ll need it again when the temperature drops, so make sure it’s still functioning before the winter by testing it. Problems like pipes freezing up can arise when you leave the boiler off for long periods of time. Turn your boiler back on every few weeks for a short time to check it’s all in order.

Get your boiler serviced

Summer is the perfect time to have your annual boiler service.

A well-functioning boiler is an integral part of your home, providing a warm, comfortable home and hot water. So it is essential to look after it properly. The best way to take care of your boiler by having it regularly serviced.

Here’s why:

How to keep your home cool in a heatwave

Image showing How to keep your home cool in a heatwave - PlusHeat - UK

Help, my house is too hot!

After a miserable May, the UK is welcoming the latest bout of sunny weather, with Met Office representatives predicting temperatures to stay warm throughout this week and into the next. Now is a good time to get in the know about how to keep your house cool.

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated and cool when hot weather hits. Here are some easy and cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable as the temperature rises.

Keep your curtains closed

As tempting as it can be let the sunshine in on a beautiful day, it can increase the temperature of your home. You may even want to consider putting reflective material in between dark curtains as these can absorb heat.

Only open your windows at night

Once the heat drops, open them again to allow cool air to circulate around the house.

If you do need to open windows through the day, open them on the opposite side of the house if you can, and  open doors so that air can flow through.

Try an old school air conditioner

If you have a fan, place a bowl filled with ice water directly in front of it to create a nice refreshing breeze.

No ice? A wet flannel placed safely over the fan will work too!

Turn off tech you aren’t using

A lot of heat is generated from appliances around the house, so turning them off while you’re not using them can help avoid your house getting too hot (it’s cheaper, and better for the environment too!)

Repairs: What is my landlord responsible for?

Landlord Responsibility Blog

When renting, the law is clear about which repairs and home maintenance jobs fall to you, the tenant, and to your landlord.

From time to time households will need maintenance and repairs or a problem will arise that will need fixing.

Your landlord IS responsible for

They are always responsible for repairs to:

  • The property’s structure and exterior.

  • Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains.

  • Heating and hot water.

  • Gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation.

  • Electrical wiring.

  • Any damage they cause through attempting repairs.

Legally, your landlord can’t compel you to do or pay for repairs that are their responsibility. You should also only carry out repairs if your tenancy agreement says you can.

Your landlord must perform repairs upon knowing an issue exists, so promptly inform them of repair needs.

They must inform you about the repair timeline, and you must continue paying rent during the wait.

Your landlord is NOT responsible for

Your landlord isn’t liable for issues due to tenant negligence or damage from your family or friends.

Examples include leaks from an overflowing bath, neglecting the extractor fan after showering, broken windows, and leaving unattended candles.

You should also tend to your property by handling reasonable tasks like unblocking drains and fixing fuses.

Covid-19: Can I have a tradesperson in my home during lockdown?

Tradesperson during lockdown
Please be aware: as this is an ever-changing situation, guidance may be updated or amended at any time. Information in this article was accurate as of 14 November 2020. See government guideance for working in other people’s homes here. 

From 5 November 2020, national restrictions have been in place in England to help fight the spread of coronavirus. During this time, people should stay at home where possible and should only travel to work if they cannot work from home.

We look at the considerations you should take to keep your household safe if you need a tradesperson to enter your home during the lockdown.

 Is a tradesperson allowed to enter my home during lockdown? 

 

Yes. Those who need to visit other people’s homes for their work can continue to do so.

 

However, the most important question to ask yourself is, is the work essential? If it can wait, then it should. The best way to limit the risk is to postpone the work if it is non-essential.

 Have symptoms or isolating?  

 

No work should be carried out in a household which is isolating because one or more family members has symptoms or where an individual has been advised to shield – unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household. This includes emergency plumbing or repairs.

 

You should let a trader or engineer know the situation in advance about any vulnerable people in your home so they can make appropriate measures.

 

If you or anyone in the household has symptoms of coronavirus, you need to follow government guidelines on self-isolation.

 

If the work must go-ahead, vulnerable people in your home should further isolate by staying in a different room, separated from the rest of the household, while work is underway.

Clinically vulnerable or over 70? 

 

Make sure you let the tradesperson knows in advance if there is someone who is clinically vulnerable, for example, someone over 70 within your household.

 

Prior arrangements should be made with vulnerable people to avoid any face-to-face contact, for example, when answering the door.

 

Anyone entering your home should be particularly strict about handwashing, coughing and sneezing hygiene. This means covering your nose and mouth and disposing of single-use tissues.

 

Follow social distancing

 

Make sure you give the engineer or tradesperson a safe amount of space to work while they are in your home.

 

It may not always be possible to maintain social distancing guidelines (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable) when works are being carried out in your home. If this is the case, then extra attention should be paid to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk.

 

You can help by:

  • – Wait in another room or going outside while works are being carried out

  • – Open doors and windows in the room that is being worked in

  • – Leav internal doors open to minimise contact with door handles

– Minimise movement within areas where people in your household are likely to travel to or through, like stairs and corridors

Here at PlusHeat, we continue to follow the latest government guidance for people working in other people’s homes closely during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We’re ensuring we are doing our bit to serve and protect our customers, PlusHeat engineers and the general public.

We’ve put together some FAQ’s which you can check out here.

 

tradesperson lockdown

How to prepare your home for a cold snap

How to prepare your home for a cold snap

It pays to prepare your home for the worst of the British weather. Make sure your home is ready for winter with these handy hints.

  1. Clear the gutters and drains of debris

Leaves, silt, litter and debris build up over time causing blockages in the guttering. Gutters that are left unattended cause leaks, which could even lead to structural damage and other problems that are far more complex to resolve.

  1. Ensure you have your boiler serviced regularly

Getting your boiler serviced once every 12 months will ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. The last thing you want when the winter months draw in is a broken boiler!

  1. Keep your heating on a timer

Having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money. According to Energy Saving Trust, using a timer is best, because your thermostat is designed to turn your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set it.

  1. Draught-proof windows and doors

Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and money.

Draughts happen where there are unwanted gaps in your home, and where openings are left uncovered. For windows that open, buy draught-proofing strips to stick around the window frame and fill the gap between the window and the frame.

Draught-proofing external doors can stop heat from escaping. Consider:

  • Buying a cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole

  • Using a letterbox brush

  • Use a hinged flag draught excluded to cover the gap at the bottom

  • Fit foam or brushes for the gaps around the edges

  1. Bleed radiators

Radiators can end up with air in the pipes in any season. However, it’s a good idea to bleed the system at the beginning of the heating season so that you’re ready for the winter.

When your radiators don’t work, it could be an indication that your central heating system is not working efficiently. This means it will take longer for it to warm up your home and therefore could result in costly utility bills.

  1. Keep your pipes warm  

Cold temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze. The best prevention against frozen pipes is to keep them warm enough to stay above the freezing point.

Pipes that are located in areas that do not have proper insulation, such as basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing.

  1. Insulate your loft space

Insulating your loft is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating bills and be more energy-efficient. Check out B&Q’s guide to insulating your loft here.

Covid-19: What does lockdown mean in a home emergency?

Lockdown home emergency

lockdown home emergency

From 5 November 2020, national lockdown restrictions have been in place in England to help fight the spread of coronavirus. People should stay at home where possible and should only travel to work if they cannot work from home. But what does this mean if you’re faced with a home emergency like a boiler breakdown or a burst pipe?

Please be aware: as this is an ever-changing situation, guidance may be updated or amended at any time. Information in this article was accurate as of 14 November 2020. See government guideance for working in other people’s homes here. 

We look at the considerations you should be taking to keep your household safe in such a situation.

 

 Is a tradesperson allowed to enter my home? 

Yes. Those who need to visit other people’s homes for their work can continue to do so.

 

However, the most important question to ask yourself is, is the work essential? If it can wait, then it should. The best way to limit the risk is to postpone the work if it is non-essential.

 

 Have symptoms or isolating?  

No work should be carried out in a household which is isolating because one or more family members has symptoms or where an individual has been advised to shield – unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household. This includes emergency plumbing or repairs.

You should let a trader or engineer know the situation in advance about any vulnerable people in your home so they can make appropriate measures.

 

If you or anyone in the household has symptoms of coronavirus, you need to follow government guidelines on self-isolation.

 

If the work must go-ahead, vulnerable people in your home should further isolate by staying in a different room, separated from the rest of the household, while work is underway.

 

 Clinically vulnerable or over 70? 

Make sure you let the trades person know in advance if there is someone who is clinically vulnerable, but has not been asked to shield, for example, someone over 70, within your household.

 

Prior arrangements should be made with vulnerable people to avoid any face-to-face contact, for example, when answering the door.

 

Anyone entering your home should be particularly strict about handwashing, coughing and sneezing hygiene, such as covering your nose and mouth and disposing of single-use tissues.

 

Follow social distancing

Make sure you give the engineer or tradesperson a safe amount of space to work while they are in your home.

 

It may not always be possible to maintain social distancing guidelines (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable) when works are being carried out in your home. If this is the case, then extra attention should be paid to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk.

 

You can help by:

  • Waiting in another room or going outside while works are being carried out

  • Opening doors and windows in the room that is being worked in

  • Leaving internal doors open to minimise contact with door handles

Minimise movement within areas where people in your household are likely to travel to, from or through, like stairs and corridors

 

lockdown home emergency

Gas Safety Week: A tenants guide for staying Gas Safe

Gas Safety Tenants

Helping the public stay gas safe

tenants gas safe guide. We are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2021, taking place from 13-19 September.

Gas Safety Week is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. It is coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.

Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly and without warning. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it.

As a tenant, taking care of your gas appliances means you are properly taking care of your home, and your loved ones and looking out for your local community.

Follow these few simple checks to keep you and others safe.

1. Check your Landlord’s Gas Safety Record. By law, your landlord must keep gas pipework, appliances and flues supplied for you to use in good condition. They must arrange a gas safety check of the appliances and flues every year and give you a record of the check. Therefore if your landlord refuses to provide you with one, you can report their details to the HSE: bit.ly/LGSRReport

2. Check any gas appliances you own every year. Your landlord is not responsible for gas appliances that you own. So you should arrange for these to be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Set a reminder so you don’t forget at
StayGasSafe.co.uk.

3. Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find or check an engineer at
GasSafeRegister.co.uk call 0800 408 5500 or ask to see their Gas Safe ID card when they arrive.

4. Check your engineer is qualified for the type of gas work you need doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler. This information can be found on the back of their Gas Safe ID card and the Gas Safe Register website.

5. Check for warning signs that could indicate your (or others’) appliances are not working correctly. Signs may include lazy yellow /orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and too much condensation in the room.

6. Know the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. They are – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

7. Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and look out for your community by making sure your friends, relatives and neighbours have one too. You should check they are marked EN50291 and display the British Standards Kitemark.

For more gas safety advice for tenants and to find or check an engineer visit the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.

PlusHeat uses only Gas Safe™ engineers, tradespeople and expertly trained staff to give you the finest, and safest, service available.

Tenants Gas Safe Guide Gas Safety Week: A tenants guide for staying Gas Safe