Winter home maintenance and preparing your home
There are certain practical home maintenance steps that you can take to protect your home from winter weather.
- Get heating and cooking appliances checked, and flues and chimneys swept ensuring ventilation points are not blocked. If you use heating oil, LPG or wood products as the main heating source, make sure that you have a sufficient supply to avoid running out
- By setting your heating to the right temperature (Age UK recommend 18-21°C, 65-70°F), you can keep your home warm. Ensure windows and doors are closed to prevent heat escaping
- Leave your heating on for at least an hour a day while you are away from home
- In severe weather, or if severe weather is forecast, you should leave your heating on day and night at your usual temperature setting
- Make sure that you know where your water stop tap is and check it works, so you can turn off the water supply if needed.
Using thermometers
Use thermometers to help you gauge the true temperature around your home. Age UK recommend keeping the room temperature at between 18 to 21°C for comfort and good health, but many people have home hot and cold spots. Position your thermometer away from direct sunlight and artificially heated or cooled areas, such as near radiators, for the most accurate readings.
Related information
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![Winter home maintenance and preparing your home]()
Winter home maintenance and preparing your home
Click here to view some helpful home maintenance tips from Anchor to help you prepare your home for winter and avoid the cold.
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![Warm Home Discount and other winter financial support]()
Warm Home Discount and other winter financial support
Managing money during the winter months can be a cause for concern as utility bills rise. Click here to learn what support you may be entitled to.
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![Getting out and about in winter]()
Getting out and about in winter
Winter weather can make travel more difficult, especially if you are driving. Click here to read some safety tips.
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![Winter health checks and flu jabs]()
Winter health checks and flu jabs
It is vitally important to make sure you are fit and healthy through the winter months. Click here to learn how a winter health check and Flu Jab can help.
