Keeping Warm

Energy advice service

Warm Home Essex is a new energy advice service delivered by Citizens Advice Harlow to residents of Harlow and Epping.

Our energy specialist can help with: • Advice on switching energy suppliers.

Advice on income maximisation

Energy debt advice including energy debt write-offs

Energy Grant

Green Home Grant

Energy efficient solutions such as insulation and boiler replacements

Warm Home discount

Water debt

For help and advice contact 0300 3033 789.

Keep your home free from damp and mould

When the weather gets colder, condensation in the home can increase which may cause damp and mould. We’ve put together a list of some simple measures you can take to help reduce moisture and prevent mould.

Heating

Maintain a low heat (16Oc) when the weather is cold or wet - this is more effective in keeping your home warmer and costs less than short bursts of high heat. Do not obstruct radiators with furniture or overhanging curtains that prevent heat circulation. Allow sunlight into your home to help warm up rooms.

Try to avoid using portable gas heaters to heat rooms as these may encourage condensation.

Improve ventilation

Keep a window open or use extractor fans during and after cooking, washing and drying clothes.

Open windows slightly when at home or use the fitted trickle vents.

Do not block air vents - particularly important where gas and heating appliances require oxygen for combustion while allowing carbon monoxide to escape.

Allow air to circulate. Move beds and furniture away from walls and do not overfill wardrobes.

Reduce moisture

Cover boiling pans when cooking.

Close the bathroom door during and after bathing or showering.

Dry clothes outside where possible and not over radiators. Otherwise, confine drying to a single room (preferably the bathroom), open the window and close the door.

Cover fish tanks.

Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles.

Keep your home warm

Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:

Make sure your boiler has been serviced . This will ensure it is working properly, is safe and running efficiently as possible Don’t block up air vents as fires and heaters need ventilation . Good ventilation also helps to prevent condensation Make sure radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains

Keep your main living room heated at approx . 21°C (70°F) and the rest of your home at least 16°C (65°F)

Purchase a carbon monoxide detector if you use gas or oil appliances and test your smoke alarms every week To arrange a free home fire safety visit call: 0300 303 0088 or visit: www . essex-fire .gov .uk/ Home_Fire_Safety/