Utilities FAQs
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Questions about household utilities
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If you have a gas or electric heating system, here are some handy tips on how to heat your home most efficiently.
Keep your heating system at a consistent, moderate level.
Generally, it is more energy efficient to heat your home at specific times rather than maintaining a constant temperature. Although we suggest keeping an ambient temperature of 18C to prevent issues with condensation, you may choose to increase the heating to above 20C in the morning and evenings, or whenever you are typically at home.
Maintain circulation in the home.
To circulate heat around your home more successfully you should:
- Avoid drying clothes on radiators, as this can block heat from circulating.
- Ensure furniture isn’t blocking your radiators to allow heat to flow freely.
- Close doors between rooms to contain heat where it’s needed most.
- Utilise electronic extraction and vents when it is too cold to open windows.
Insulate your home effectively
Soft furnishings like curtains, rugs, and blinds can play a big role by trapping heat in your home.
- Blinds and Curtains: Open blinds and curtains during the day to let in natural sunlight and warmth. Close them at night to add insulation and block out the cold.
- Add Rugs: Rugs help insulate hard floors, reducing heat loss and adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort to your space.
- Close Doors and Windows: Keep doors and windows in unused rooms shut to stop heat from escaping and prevent cold air from seeping in.
If your heating isn’t working properly, here are a few quick checks you can try before reaching out for help:
The heating isn’t coming on at all.
- Check your thermostat:
- If the screen is blank, the batteries probably need replacing.
- Make sure the settings are correct (eg. temperature and scheduled heating times).
- If you need help setting your thermostat, please get in touch.
- Check your boiler pressure:
- Look at the gauge on or under your boiler. If it’s below 1.5, your boiler might need repressuring. You will need to contact our maintenance team on 0191 925 0631 for support with this.
A radiator isn’t heating fully or at all.
- Check the Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV):
- This is the valve on the pipe leading to the radiator. Make sure it’s turned to the right setting (usually increasing from 1 to 6).
- Radiators may need bleeding:
- If a radiator is only partially warm, it could be time to bleed them. Contact our maintenance team on 0191 925 0631 for support.
If you have opted for a Bills Exclusive tenancy package, you will be provided with an advice sheet upon moving in, which will outline the companies to contact in order for you to set up the necessary accounts and find out who the current energy suppliers are.
It is important to remember that you are responsible for payment of all bills from the first day, up until the end date of your tenancy, even if you haven’t officially moved in..
If you are uncertain, you can always speak to us on 0191 9250631.