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And just like that, September has arrived. Is it just us, or do you feel like we’ve only just turned the heating off – And already we’re gearing up for the next Winter!
Some of you might not quite be ready to let summer go yet, and for others it’s time to get cosy.
Whichever you are, it’s a good idea to start thinking about the colder months and whether your boiler and heating system are ready to keep your home and family warm this Winter.
Here are our top 3 things to do before the colder weather starts creeping in
- Service your boiler
Are you up to date with your boiler service? You should be getting your boiler serviced at least once per year. Not only does this ensure your boiler is in optimum working order, it is also a requirement for the majority of warranties staying valid. Contact us today if your boiler service is due and one of our friendly team will book you in as soon as possible.
- Bleed your radiators
Sometimes a build up of air in your heating system can cause problems like cold spots on your radiator. This will mean that your home may not heat up as efficiently or effectively, causing you to turn up your heating unnecessarily. Bleeding your radiators will release the air and enable them to heat up properly. Have a read of our blog here on how to effectively bleed your radiators.
- Fix any niggles from last Winter
If towards the end of last Winter you had a couple of niggles with your boiler then now is the time to get them sorted (if you haven’t already done so). Maybe there were some loud noises when your boiler fired up, or perhaps you felt like your home wasn’t heating up quite like it should. Don’t leave it until the cold comes, call a registered heating engineer and get any problems resolved now.
Did you know there are also various schemes to help keep your home warm over the Winter months?
We thought we would share the various schemes and help that eligible homes can get over the Winter Months.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme
What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme could allow you to get £140 off your electricity bill over the Winter period 2021 to 2022.
This money is not paid to you, but is instead taken off your electricity bill between October 2021 and March 2022.
If your supplier provides you with both electricity and gas, you may be able to get the £140 off your gas bill instead, but you would need to speak to your provider.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Either you will be in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (you might see this referred to as the ‘core group’) or you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme (you might see this referred to as the ‘broader group.’)
When can you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
The way you apply for the discount depends on how you qualify for it. Those who use pay-as-you-go electricity meters can also qualify for the discount, just speak to your supplier.
If you live in a park (mobile) home then you will need to apply a different way.
The scheme opens on the 18th October 2021.
You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply on the government website here.
Cold Weather Payment
What is the Cold Weather Payment?
A Cold Weather Payment is made when the recorded or forecast temperature over a period of 7 consecutive days is zero degrees or below.
When does the Cold Weather Payment apply?
You can apply for a Cold Weather Payment between 1st November 2021 and 31st March 2022. From the 1st November 2021, you will be able to check if your area is due a Cold Weather Payment.
How much is the Cold Weather Payment for?
If applicable, you will get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between the above dates.
Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment?
You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment if you are in receipt of:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
For further information on eligibility, go to the government website here.
Winter Fuel Payment
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you were born on or before 26th September 1955, then you could receive between £100 and £300 towards your heating bills over the Winter months.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You can check to see if you are eligible here.
If you meet the eligibility criteria in the link above, and also receive a state pension or certain other social security benefits then you will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you don’t meet these criteria but still think you may be eligible then you can make a claim. The deadline to make a claim for the Winter period 2021 to 2022 is the 31st March 2022.
When are you usually paid the Winter Fuel Payment?
The majority of Winter Fuel Payments are made in November and December, but you should receive your payment by the 14th January. If you think you should have received a payment but have not, you can contact them.
For more information on the Winter Fuel Payment, head to the government website here.
We know it might seem a bit early to be thinking about the Winter months, but it’s always a good idea to think ahead and make sure you are as prepared as possible to ensure your home stays warm and cosy when temperatures outside start to drop.
Stay warm this Winter!
