Winter Tips, Support and Guidance

Winter is here and we want to help you to keep your home warm and safe and make sure you feel supported and informed during the colder months. Whether you need help with heating, repairs, money matters or general wellbeing, our team is here to help you.

📞 Call: 01609 767900
📧 Email: info@broadacres.org.uk
🌐 Visit: www.broadacres.org.uk

Outdoor checks and winter safety

Winter weather can place extra pressure on the outside of your home. These checks can help keep things safe.

• Report overflowing gutters or blocked drains
• Bring light outdoor items inside where you can, or weigh them down to keep them secure
• Make sure you know where your stop tap is in case of frozen pipes
• Look for loose tiles, fencing or damage after storms
• Check on neighbours or relatives who may need support in very cold weather

Please take care when ground surfaces are icy or slippery.

Reducing heat loss in your home

Keeping warmth inside your home can help you stay comfortable and manage energy use effectively.

• Close curtains in the evening
• Keep furniture clear of radiators
• Use internal doors to keep warmth in the rooms you use most
• Report any draughts around windows or doors

Maintaining a steady thermostat setting can also help keep your home warm efficiently.

Looking after your heating

Your heating works much harder at this time of year. These simple checks can help keep your system running efficiently.

Bleed your radiators
If radiators feel warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air may be reducing their heat output. Turning the heating off and carefully bleeding them can help improve performance.

Check your boiler pressure
Most boilers work best when the pressure is between 1 and 2 on the dial. If the gauge sits outside this range or you are unsure how to top it up, please get in touch with Broadacres for advice.

Report heating issues early
If something does not feel right, please let us know as soon as possible. Early reporting helps us carry out repairs before temperatures drop further.

Condensate pipes and frozen pipes

During very cold weather, the white plastic condensate pipe that runs from your boiler to an outside drain can freeze. If it does, your boiler may stop working.

Signs of a frozen condensate pipe include:

• Gurgling noises from the boiler
• An error message or flashing light
• The boiler shutting down

If you think your condensate pipe has frozen, please contact Broadacres. Do not attempt to dismantle or repair it yourself. We can talk you through safe steps or arrange support if needed.

If any pipe in your home freezes or bursts, report it to us immediately.

Understanding condensation, damp and mould

It can be difficult to know what you are looking at, especially during winter. Here is a simple guide to help you understand the difference.

Condensation
This happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, often leaving droplets on windows or walls. It is very common in winter.

Damp
Damp is caused by moisture that should not be present. It may be due to a leak, blocked guttering, rising damp or an issue with ventilation. Damp patches tend to stay wet.

Mould
Mould can appear when condensation or damp has been present for some time. You may see small black or green spots on walls, ceilings or window frames.

Preventing damp and condensation

Condensation increases during winter because of cooking, bathing and heating. These small steps can help keep your home healthy.

• Use extractor fans while cooking or bathing
• Keep lids on pans while cooking
• Try not to push furniture tightly against external walls
• Tell us straight away if you notice damp or mould

If you notice damp or mould, please report it to Broadacres straight away, it is important that any concerns about damp or mould are raised quickly so we can investigate and take the right action.

If you are ever unsure, please contact us and we will help.

Useful links for winter support

Here are some other trusted sources of help and advice:

• NHS Winter Health Advice
  Find tips on staying well during cold weather.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

• Met Office Weather Warnings
  Check for severe weather alerts in your area.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings

• Citizens Advice
  Support with money worries, energy costs and benefits.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/

• Energy Saving Trust
  Independent advice on saving energy and keeping warm.

https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

• North Yorkshire Council Winter Support
  Local warm spaces, community support and seasonal guidance.

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-support/winter-health-and-wellbeing

Broadacres can also provide advice and signposting if you are unsure where to start.