How to Stay Warm and Well During Winter
With the colder months on their way, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to keep warm and well as the temperature drops. Whether it’s finding ways to save energy, or making your home more efficient, small steps can make a big difference. We’ve gathered essential advice to help you stay warm and well during the colder months.
Keep Your Home Warm
Quick and simple measures can help keep the heat in:
- Heat rooms you use often: Aim for a temperature of at least 18°C in living spaces like your living room or bedroom.
- Use thicker curtains and rugs: These simple additions can help trap heat and block cold air from seeping in.
- Close internal doors: This prevents heat from escaping into unused rooms and helps keep the areas you use the most warm and cosy.
These adjustments not only keep you warm but can also reduce energy bills, especially when used alongside other energy-saving measures.
Keep moving Indoors
Physical movement can help keep you warm, especially if you’re indoors for long periods. Try to avoid sitting still for more than an hour. Simple activities like stretching or walking around the house can improve circulation and keep your body temperature up.
Make the Most of Your Radiators
If your radiators are blocked by furniture, try rearranging the room layout for winter. Placing sofas and chairs next to a radiator may seem like a good way to stay warm but can actually prevent the heat from circulating through the room. Moving furniture away from radiators – even by a couple of inches – will help warm air move around the room. And try to avoid placing big pieces of furniture next to colder external walls to avoid any potential issues with damp and mould.
Test Your Radiators and Storage Heaters
We know the cost of energy may be stopping you from turning on your heating just yet, but it’s worth trying it now just in case there’s a problem – you can get it sorted out before you really need it. Turn your thermostat on and check each of your radiators/heaters to make sure they’re starting to warm up. If you think there’s an issue, get in touch with us. 
Energy Advice and Financial Support
If you’re concerned about rising heating costs, there are grants , benefits, and financial assistance available to help you manage your energy bills. The government offers extra support for those on low incomes, including benefits that can assist with the cost of living.
You can read more information on how to seek financial support, here.
Now that we are a part of The Guinness Partnership you can also get support and advice from our dedicated Energy Advice Officers. They can provide you with practical help in reducing fuel bills and accessing available funding. They can arrange a one-to-one appointment over the phone or in person to review your energy bills, heating system and property, to help find ways to save while keeping warm.
So far, the team have helped residents to save money on their energy bills, sort out historic debt on their meters and make better and more efficient use of their heating systems.
You can register your interest here by speaking to one of our Energy Advice Officers to see if they can provide you with some extra help. Their top tip for winter is to programme your hot water to come on only when you need it, which will help you save money and energy all year round. And did you know that by turning your thermostat down by one degree you can save money straight away?
If you are struggling with the cost of living please call us on 0208 896 8874. We can also offer you an appointment with our Money Advice Caseworkers to discuss your financial circumstances.
Additionally, for our shared owners and homeowners, we've created the Helping Hand Fund. For more information, visit, here. The Income and Money Advice Team are here to help — please call us on 0208 996 8900 or email income.team@sbhg.co.uk
Staying Safe in Cold Weather
Cold weather can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning appliances. Carbon monoxide has no taste, smell or colour and can kill without warning in a matter of hours.
If your carbon monoxide detector sounds or changes colour:
- Turn off gas appliances
- Leave the building
- contact Cadet Gas urgently
According to the Health and Safety Executive, each year around seven people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances or flues which have not been properly fitted or maintained. Find out more information on how to recognise carbon monoxide poisoning and how to keep safe, here.
If the carbon monoxide alarm is not operational or is found to be faulty or past its expiration date, please call us on 0800 9170839 to arrange a replacement and to learn more about repair response time visit, here. 
Your annual gas safety checks, electrical safety checks and other work relating to health and safety are legal requirements to keep you, your family and neighbours safe. If we, or our contractors, are scheduled to attend your home to carry out this work, it is essential that you give access so this can be completed. If you have any concerns about this, get in touch with us beforehand.
If you are a leaseholder, it is your responsibility to service your gas boiler and gas appliances. The Gas Safe Register recommends servicing gas boilers and appliances once a year. You can find registered Gas Safe engineers for your area, here .
About Shepherds Bush Housing Association
Part of The Guinness Partnership, we have more than 5000 homes, throughout nine boroughs in west London