Why does temperature matter?
Helping tenants maintain a healthy temperature in their home is an important topic for social housing landlords and our customers.
You may have seen sad stories in the news where low temperatures in the home have been fatal for vulnerable people, including those with existing health conditions.
It is our responsibility to ensure our homes are comfortable and healthy places for people to live.
Here are the key messages we’re sharing with our customers to give more information on temperature.
Get smart with your heating
Proper insulation is important for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. As a housing association, we insulate walls, floors, and roofs to prevent heat loss. We are now working to improve this, especially in older homes, through our extensive retrofit programme. Upgrades may include intelligent energy systems (I.E.S.) SERO, low energy lighting (L.E.L.), ventilation upgrades, loft insulation top-up and draft
Layered clothing
Dress warmly during older months, even indoors. Layering clothing can help you stay comfortable without relying solely on heating systems.
Regular boiler maintenance
We service the boiler in your home every year. If you’re concerned about your boiler or need to request a repair, please contact the repair team on 0800 072 0966.
Zone heating
In some homes, it’s possible to use zone heating to focus warmth in specific areas, rather than heating the entire space. To help you heat your home more cost-efficiently, close doors to rooms that are used less, and adjust the radiator settings so radiators are turned off in those rooms.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Avoid drying washing indoors wherever possible, and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture, which can make the air feel colder. If you don’t have an extractor fan, please tell your Neighbourhood Officer.
Use fans all year
Fans are often used for cooling in summer, but they can also help distribute warm air that rises from your radiator during winter to make your space feel more comfortable.
What is a healthy, comfortable temperature for the home?
A healthy comfortable temperature is typically between 18 and 21°C.
There are three main causes of temperatures being too high or two low:
- Hot or cold weather conditions
- Poor insulation, drafts, or open windows
- Not running the heating during cold weather
When the temperature in a home is too cold, it can lead to health problems for tenants. It can also cause damage to the home through burst pipes, damp and condensation.
What room temperature is best for older people?
For vulnerable people such as the elderly, a room that’s too hot OR too cold can present several health risks:
- Temperatures lower than 9°C have the potential to lead to hypothermia.
- A temperature of 9-12°C, or above 24°C, can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Age UK guide suggests older people heat their main living areas to 21°C, while heating the rest of their home to at least 18°C.
What’s the ideal home temperature?
It can be tempting to turn down your thermostat or switch your heating off more to keep energy costs down. However, having a home that’s too cold can lead to health problems for anyone who might be vulnerable, like newborn babies and people who are older.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends 18 to 21°C as a comfortable temperature range to heat your home to during winter. The (WHO) suggests 18°C as the ideal temperature for anyone who is healthy and wearing a reasonable quantity/level of clothes
18 °C is also thought to be ideal temperature for sleeping.
What’s the ideal temperature for a baby’s room?
It’s vital to keep a newborn baby’s room at just the right temperature. This is because the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is higher for babies who get too hot.
The Lullaby Trust recommends heating the room of a newborn to 16 to 20°C, with lightweight clothing and a blanket to keep your baby comfortable.
Should you open windows to circulate air?
Opening your windows can be a great way to let fresh air into your home, and to reduce moisture and damp.
However, if your heating is on, a lot of heat can escape through an open window during winter, wasting money and increasing your fuel bill. Use trickle vents, if your home is fitted with them, and refer to our guide on condensation and mould for specific advice.
During summer, many people like to open windows to try to cool down their house. However, if it’s a particularly hot summer, air from outside may be warmer than inside, so opening windows can make your rooms more uncomfortable. It can be better to keep your windows and curtains closed during the day, until the temperature outside becomes more comfortable at night.
Keep warm and save
A few straightforward habits can help you keep your home a comfortable temperature and keep energy bills lower
- If you’re out of the house for long periods of time, such as when you go to work, use the timer to set when your heating should come on and switch off. This means you’re not paying to heat your home when you’re not in.
- Adjust your thermostat to just one degree lower to help you save money on your fuel bills.
- Stop draughts to prevent heat escaping. Close your curtains as soon as it starts to get dark, and put draught excluders by doors.
- Keep doors and windows closed when heating your home. You’ll use less energy to keep your home warm. Open windows and doors when your heating is off for ventilation without wasting energy.
- Close internal doors at night to help keep the heat in your home.
- Use the correct weight of duvet for the weather. Choose a low tog in summer and high tog for winter to stay comfortable and avoid having to use the heating unnecessarily.
Should you heat your home when you’re on holiday?
In winter:
It’s wise to leave your heating on if there’s a risk of freezing temperatures while you’re away. Set your timer to run your heating for around an hour each day to lower the risk of pipes freezing and bursting while you’re away and prevent a flood on your return – and a costly repair.
If your home is fitted with an intelligent thermostat that has in-built Frost Protection, or can be accessed from your phone, you don’t need to leave your heating running. That’s because you can use the settings or remote access to switch the heating on if outside temperatures are due to drop below 7°C. Many modern boilers also have a similar feature, protecting your plumbing and your home when the weather gets really cold.
If your heating system doesn’t have these features, set your thermostat to at least 5°C to get the same sort of protection.
In summer
When your holiday is during warmer months and there’s no risk of freezing temperatures outsides, there’s no need to run your heating, so switch off your heating while you’re away.
However, there might be exceptions to this rule:
- If you have pets who will be at home while you’re away
- If you’re away for an extended period, running the heating can help minimise the risk of mould or mildew building up
Should you heat your home in the summer?
There’s usually no need to heat your home during daylight hours in the summer. But if the temperature drops at night and you feel cold, you might consider turning the heating on to make your home more comfortable.
Saving energy
A few simple actions can help you save on other energy costs around your home
- Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter or a smart meter display. Smart meters give accurate meter readings, and can send information to your supplier more frequently, so you no longer have estimated bills. They can also help you to save money by enabling you to set a budget for your energy use.
- Try charging your phone or other devices during the day so you can unplug it when it’s fully charged, instead of leaving it overnight.
- Fit low energy light bulbs when replacing traditional ones.
Reporting temperature control problems in your home
If you’ve tried our tips to keep your home warm, but you’re still having problems, please get in touch with us.
You can contact us via email, phone, or social media, and a member of our customer services team will speak with you to better understand the issues.
They’ll ask you a few questions to find out which rooms in your home are affected, and the steps you’ve taken to try to solve the problem. Once they’ve got all this information, they’ll let you know what steps we’ll take next.
If it’s a problem with your boiler, or you need to request home maintenance, please call the contact centre on 0800 072 0966. If the temperature of your home isn’t improved by following our top tips, one of our experienced surveyors will visit.
They’ll work alongside you to make sure your home is a comfortable and healthy place to live
To discuss keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer, please call your neighbourhood officer who will be happy to help.
Contact Details
Phone
0800 072 0966
Email
info@linc-cymru.co.uk
is the best way to tackle these problems.
Get Smart with your heating
Insulation: Proper insulation is important for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. As a housing association, we insulate walls, floors, and roofs to prevent heat loss. We are now working to improve this, especially in older homes, through our extensive retrofit programme. Upgrades may include intelligent energy systems (I.E.S.) SERO, low energy lighting (L.E.L.), ventilation upgrades, loft insulation top-up and draft proofing windows and doors.
Seal drafts: Identify and seal any drafts around windows and doors using draft to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. If you notice any problems, contact our repairs team on 0800 072 0966.
Curtains and blinds: Use heavy curtains or blinds during colder nights to keep warmth inside. Open them during the day to allow natural sunlight to heat your home, especially where you have south-facing windows.
Layered clothing: Dress warmly during colder months, even indoors. Layering clothing can help you stay comfortable without relying solely on heating systems.
Regular boiler maintenance: We service the boiler in your home every year. If you’re concerned about your boiler or need to request a repair, please contact the repair team on 0800 072 0966.
Zone heating: In some homes, it’s possible to use zone heating to focus warmth in specific areas, rather than heating the entire space. To help you heat your home more cost-efficiently, close doors to rooms that are used less, and adjust the radiator settings so radiators are turned off in those rooms.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Avoid drying washing indoors wherever possible, and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture, which can make the air feel colder. If you don’t have an extractor fan, please tell your Neighbourhood Officer.
Use fans all year: Fans are often used for cooling in summer, but they can also help distribute warm air that rises from your radiator during winter to make your space feel more comfortable.
Keep warm and save
A few habits can help you keep your home a comfortable temperature and keep energy bills lower.
- If you’re out of the house for long periods of time, such as when you go to work, use the timer to set when your heating should come on and switch off. This means you’re not paying to heat your home when you’re not in.
- Adjust your thermostat to just one degree lower to help you save money on your fuel bills.
- Stop draughts to prevent heat escaping. Close your curtains as soon as it starts to get dark, and put draught excluders by doors.
- Keep doors and windows closed when heating your home. You’ll use less energy to keep your home warm. Open windows and doors when your heating is off for ventilation without wasting energy.
- Close internal doors at night to help keep the heat in your home.
- Use the correct weight of duvet for the weather. Choose a low tog in summer and high tog for winter to stay comfortable and avoid having to use the heating unnecessarily.
Saving energy
A few simple actions can help you save on other energy costs around your home
- Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter or a smart meter display. Smart meters give accurate meter readings, and can send information to your supplier more frequently, so you no longer have estimated bills. They can also help you to save money by enabling you to set a budget for your energy use.
- Try charging your phone or other devices during the day so you can unplug it when it’s fully charged, instead of leaving it overnight.
- Fit low energy light bulbs when replacing traditional ones.
What are the customer’s responsibilities with damp and mould, and what are the landlord’s responsibilities?
As a valued customer, you play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and moisture-free home. As you’ll have seen from our video, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to prevent condensation, dampness, and mould.
Rest assured, your well-being is a top priority for us as your landlord. If you’ve already tried our tips and still encounter challenges with damp and mould, please feel free to reach out. Our friendly maintenance team is here to work with you, identify the root of the issue, and work together to find a solution that suits you best.
We’re always here to help make your living space as comfortable and healthy as possible.
What to do about mould in your home
If you already have mould in your home, it’s important to treat it.
Use a product designed to clean mould to wipe it away. These are widely available from supermarkets or online.
Don’t brush or hoover the mould as this can spread the spores into the air in your home, which can be unhealthy.
Once you’ve removed the mould, keep the room well-ventilated so the area can dry fully and the mould won’t come back.
If you’ve tried all our top tips and you’re still having problems with damp and mould, please get in touch with us.
A member of our maintenance team will work with you to work out what’s causing the problem and help fix it.
Reporting mould in your home
If you’ve tried our top tips to reduce the moisture in your home but you’re still having problems with damp and mould, please get in touch with us.
You can contact us via email, phone, or social media, and a member of our customer services team will speak with you to better understand the issues.
They’ll ask you a few questions to find out which room in your home has damp or mould, and which part of the room is affected – perhaps it’s the wall or the ceiling, for example. They’ll ask whether mould is growing, and if the area feels wet or dry to touch.
They may also ask you to send us some photos, if you can.
Finally, they’ll ask you about any steps you’ve taken to remove the mould and reduce the moisture in your home.
Once they’ve got all this information, they’ll let you know what steps we’ll take next.
If the damp and mould in your home are not improved by following our top tips, we’ll arrange for one of our experienced surveyors to visit your home.
They’ll work alongside you to make sure your home is a comfortable and healthy place for you to live.
Financial Support
Keeping a home warm is an important way to prevent condensation and mould. But for many people, high energy costs are making it harder to heat their home.
If you are worried about your financial situation, we’re here to help. Our website has lots of useful information on the financial support that may be available to you. And our experienced team of Neighbourhood Income Officers can provide advice and support for your circumstances.
We want you to talk to us about the pressures on your finances so we can give you extra support and help prevent fuel poverty.
Download a printable PDF of our Preventing Condensation, Damp and Mould Guide by clicking on the image below.
Feel free to reach out to us
For customers living in a Pobl home:
Tel: 0330 175 9726
Email: info@codigroup.co.uk
For customers living in a Linc home:
Tel: 0800 072 0966
Email: contact.centre@codigroup.co.uk
If you have any concerns about your home based on the advice topics we support on our website. We’re here to help!