Breathe Easy: Preventing Condensation & Mould Winter in London often means windows stay closed and laundry is dried indoors, creating the perfect conditions for condensation and mould. Not only can this damage your home, but it can also affect your health. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference. Try to ventilate your home daily, even a few minutes of fresh air through a window or extractor fan after cooking or showering helps prevent damp and mould. Avoid drying laundry on radiators as this pumps moisture into the air; instead, use a drying rack in a ventilated room or outside when possible. On colder mornings, wipe away any condensation on windows and sills before it has a chance to settle. Finally, aim to keep your home at a steady, low level of warmth. A background temperature of around 18°C helps stop cold spots and reduces moisture build-up.
Keep the Heat On: Repressurising Your Boiler There are few things more unwelcome in winter than a cold shower. One of the most common reasons for a sudden loss of heating is low boiler pressure. Repressurising simply means topping up the water in the system so the boiler can work properly. Start by checking the pressure gauge on the boiler, it should usually sit between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it’s below this, turn off the boiler before opening the filling loop valves to allow water into the system. Once the gauge reaches the correct level, close the valves tightly, switch the boiler back on, and check that the pressure holds steady. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, or if the pressure drops repeatedly, please contact us straight away so we can arrange support.
Heading Out? Winter-Proof Your Home Before Holidays If you’re planning to be away over Christmas or heading abroad for a winter break, it’s worth taking a few minutes to protect your home before you go. Always leave the heating on low or set the boiler to frost protection mode, rather than switching it off completely. This keeps the system ticking over and helps prevent frozen pipes. If you’ll be away for more than a couple of days, consider turning off the mains water supply at the stopcock to reduce the risk of leaks. It’s also wise to unplug electrical items that don’t need to stay on, such as televisions, computers, and chargers. Before you leave, check that all windows and doors are locked and properly sealed against the cold. And if you’re going to be away for an extended period, let our property management team know so we can step in quickly if anything unexpected arises.
Stay Cosy & Save Energy: Winter Efficiency Tips Keeping warm in winter doesn’t have to mean higher bills. Simple adjustments can help your home feel more comfortable while also keeping energy use down. Draught-proofing makes a big difference, so use draught excluders or strips around windows and doors to block chilly air. Make the most of your curtains too: open them during the day to let in natural warmth, then close them once the sun goes down to trap heat inside. Radiators work best when they have space to circulate warm air, so avoid blocking them with furniture or heavy curtains. If you notice cold spots at the top of a radiator, bleeding it to release trapped air will improve its efficiency. Use heating timers and thermostats smartly, lowering the temperature in unused rooms and programming the system to match your routine can save both energy and money. Finally, remember to switch off lights when leaving rooms and unplug devices on standby. Together, these small changes will keep your home snug without unnecessary cost.
