❄️ Winter Weather Tips – Rooms To Let North East

Winter can bring cold temperatures, storms, and frozen pipes. Follow these guidelines to stay safe, save energy, and protect your home.

🌡 Heating & Temperature Guidance

Most properties have a central heating system with a room thermostat to control the temperature. Some modern systems also combine timers, allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day.

Recommended temperatures:

Below 13°C: Increases risk of cardiovascular issues.
14–15°C: Can reduce resistance to respiratory illness.
16°C: Ideal night-time bedroom temperature.
19–21°C: Recommended daytime temperature for occupied rooms.
24–27°C: Too warm; can put babies and young children at risk.

Keeping warm efficiently:

Set heating to come on just before waking and off just before going to bed.
Close curtains at night and shut doors to rooms you use most.
Use hot water bottles or electric blankets (not both at once).
Maintain a sufficient fuel supply if you are off mains gas/electricity.
Eat at least one hot meal a day and drink regular hot drinks.

Energy-saving tips:

Use radiator reflectors, draft stoppers, and thick curtains.
Don’t obstruct radiators with furniture.
Wear layers, hoodies, or onesies for extra warmth.
Let in natural daylight during the day.

🌬 Storm Precautions

Secure items in gardens or balconies.
Keep windows and doors closed and latched.
Inform us if you are away during bad weather.
Ensure you know the location of the stopcock and mains electricity switch.

🚰 Frozen or Bursting Pipes

If pipes freeze:

Turn off water at the stopcock.
Thaw slowly using warm towels, hot water bottles, or a hairdryer on low. Never use a blowtorch or exposed flame.

If pipes burst:

Turn off water at the stopcock.
Inform your landlord immediately.
Contain water with towels, buckets, or blankets.
Turn off central heating, immersion heaters, and other water systems.
Drain water by opening taps and flushing toilets.
Switch off mains electricity if there’s a risk of electrocution.
Notify neighbours if they may be affected.
Report all damage promptly, including impact on neighbouring properties or habitability.

Repairs may take time depending on availability of contractors or insurance processing.

🏠 Holiday & Long-Term Absence Precautions

During winter holidays (December–April):

Keep central heating on low or normal to maintain ~13–15°C; or
Turn off water supply and drain the central heating system, including roof storage tanks and pipework.
Circulating water systems must also be drained and refilled upon return.
Inform Rooms To Let North East if you plan to be away for a week or more, so we can monitor the property.

🔒 Contents & Property Protection

Tenants should have contents insurance; the landlord is not responsible for loss or damage to your belongings due to flooding or other incidents.
Take care of the property as your home.
Report emergencies or damage immediately.

Winter Weather