Keeping warm
Heating and insulation
If you think that your home needs better heating and insulation but you aren't sure who to go to for help, or are worried about how to pay for it, there are organisations that may be able to help you.
If you rent your home from a private landlord, a housing association or Housing Hartlepool, these organisations will usually be responsible for providing adequate heating and insulation in your home. You can find contact details for registered social landlords in Hartlepool on our rented housing page.
Steps to take
The recommended temperature for the rooms in your home is 21 degrees C (70 degrees F). When temperatures start to drop outside, there are some simple things you can do to insulate your home which will make it cheaper to heat.
- Close your curtains to keep heat in. If you can, line your curtains with thermal lining fabric.
- Have your heating system serviced regularly to make sure it is working properly. If you have a real fire in your home, be sure to get the chimney swept.
- Talk to your energy supplier if you are struggling to pay your bills. If everyone in your home is of pensionable age, your supplier should not cut you off during the winter months.
- Insulate your loft. Up to a third of the warmth generated by your heating system can be lost through the roof and walls of your home. Insulation in your loft or attic can keep your heating bills down. You may qualify for financial help towards insulating your home. Contact the Energy Saving Trust for advice.
- Draught-proof doors and windows as your home loses a lot of its heat through these, too. You may qualify for help towards the cost of draught-proofing. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.
- Lag your hot water tank and pipes to keep the heat in. You may be eligible for financial help towards lagging. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.
Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments
A Cold Weather Payment helps towards the cost of heating your home when there is a spell of cold weather in the local area.. Winter Fuel Payments are also available to people aged 60 years or over