Repairs to council homes

As winter approaches, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder months. The following are things that you can do to prepare your home for winter and make sure your heating stays efficient throughout the season.

Prepare for winter

There is plenty you can do before and during the colder months to make sure your home is warm and your heating is working properly when you need it most.

Check your thermostats

A faulty thermostat can make your home too hot or too cold. If you notice your thermostat is not working properly, it might need new batteries or maintenance.

Test your heating and check for issues early

Before the cold weather fully sets in, test your heating system. Turn on your boiler and check that your radiators heat up. If there is an issue, you can get it fixed early so you are not left without heating when you need it.

Top up your gas and electric meters

Make sure your gas and electric meters have enough credit, especially if you use a prepayment system. If you have gas central heating, check that the meter reads ‘ON’. Without enough credit, your heating will not work, so topping up now can help you avoid running out when temperatures drop.

Boiler tips from Sureserve

If your boiler stops working during winter, check the pressure dial and look for leaks in your radiators or pipes. To help you with common heating or hot water issues, Sureserve has created a YouTube playlist of helpful video hints and tips. These videos guide you through some common problems. If you find any leaks or problems, report them to the repairs line on 0208 726 6101 or report a repair.

Bleed your radiators

If your radiators are cold in some areas, air may be trapped inside. This can be easily fixed by ‘bleeding’ your radiators. Use a radiator key to release the air and make sure the heating is off before doing this. Bleeding radiators now makes sure they work efficiently through the winter.

Keep the right temperature

Set your thermostat between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. Keeping it at a steady, low temperature throughout the day and night helps maintain warmth without over-heating, saving on heating costs and making sure your home stays comfortable.

Check for frozen pipes

Frozen pipes can be a major issue during winter. If your condensate pipe freezes, pour hot water over it to thaw the ice. Making sure your pipes are insulated before the cold weather sets in can prevent freezing.

Ventilate your home safely

Please allow ventilation, as circulated fresh air helps manage moisture and reduce condensation. Open windows for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and afternoon, and wipe away any build-up of condensation with a dry cloth. Do not block air vents, as these allow gases like carbon monoxide to escape.

More help and advice

• If you have any issues with your heating, or need advice, report a repair and our team will help. We're here to make sure your home stays warm and safe throughout winter.
• If you need advice on how to heat your home and reduce fuel bills, Croydon healthy homes offers free energy advice for residents, particularly those on low incomes or with specific health needs. Families with young children, older residents, and those with medical conditions can benefit from this service.
• If you’re feeling the impact of the rising cost of living, there’s support available for you and your family. Visit help for households.