January Blues, Must Do's!

Fight off that January Blues with some of our top tips for saving energy, keeping warm and fighting condensation and mould in your home!

• Keep heat in: Help your home stay warm this winter by closing doors, using draught excluders, and closing your curtains at nighttime. Did you know that It’s better to heat your home on low (around 19-21°C) for longer periods than on high for short bursts.
• Keep yourself warm: Keeping yourself warm this winter can help save some money on energy bills so consider some of our tips. Make use of heat generated from cooking, use a hot water bottle for localised heat, use hand warmers to keep hands toasty and wear thermal socks to keep your feet warm.
• Energy efficient cooking: Consider investing in a slow cooker or an air fryer. Air fryers both cook food faster and use less energy per hour to run than a normal oven. Slow cookers may require a long time to cook, but when on low, they use the same amount of electricity as a light bulb!
• Drying clothes: Don’t dry clothes directly on radiators. This can result in extra moisture in your home and can cause mould. Instead, use a clothes airer in a room with the window open and the door shut, preferably in a bathroom or kitchen where there is an extractor fan. If you can, consider investing in a heated clothes airer with a cover.
• Looking after radiators: Check if your radiators need bleeding to help maximise the warmth they give out. Make sure they are hot all over and not just the bottom. Find out how to bleed a radiator here.
• Wipe it away: If you see condensation on windows or walls, wipe it dry to avoid mould forming. Mould can also be wiped down with vinegar and warm water, making sure to dry the area afterwards.

Taking on these tips during the colder months can help towards making a difference on your energy bills and the condensation and mould in your home!

If you find you're struggling with damp and mould, you can read more of our advice here and report damp and mould via the links below.