With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, we have created some handy hints and tips that you can follow to help keep you and your home safe and warm this season.
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Help us make sure your home is gas safe
Many of us will start to use more gas for heating and hot water. At Jigsaw Homes, we are required by law to carry out a safety check on our gas fittings installed in your home every year and we will write to you when your annual check is due. It is important you keep this appointment or rearrange it if necessary. There is also lots of information to help keep your home gas safe, including things you need to do as a tenant. You can read about them here>>.
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Keeping your home warm
Draughts are one of the main causes of heat loss so check the areas of your home most likely to lose heat e.g., window frames, doors, keyholes, and letterboxes. If you do notice a draught in these areas, you can buy draught excluders that are tailored to fit your target areas and block unwanted gaps. You can also buy draught proofing strips to stick around any gaps in window frames or loft hatches to keep out chilly air. There are many more ways you can help keep your home warm and improve its energy efficiency. Check out our energy advice guide here>>.
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Bleed your radiators
If your radiator has started making gurgling noises, takes a long time to heat up or feels a lot colder at the top than at the bottom then it might need bleeding. You can easily do this by using a radiator key to release the air that has become trapped inside, improving the energy efficiency of your heating system and making your home warmer. Watch British Gas’ ‘How to bleed your radiator’ video here>>.
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Test your carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors
You can do this simply by pressing the ‘test’ button on your alarm. You should test this at least once and week. If your alarm starts to bleep on a regular basis, it may have developed a fault or might need new batteries. If you have any concerns, then please contact our customer services team.
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Advice on condensation and mould
As we start to use our heating more often, the temperature difference between outside and inside can cause condensation in your home. Simple steps such as using the lids on your pans when cooking, or cross ventilating your home once a day for 30 minutes by opening a window, or using an extractor fan if you have one, can help reduce condensation. Keeping your home heated enough (ideally between 18°C – 24°C) can also help. We have created a detailed guide to help keep your home mould and condensation free which you can read here>>.
If you are struggling with mould and condensation build up in your home, please contact our customer services team.
