Cold weather precautions

Despite the picturesque postcard scenes of snowy mountains and frozen lochs, the transition from summer can be
challenging. With colder nights just around the corner, any opportunity to manage energy costs is welcome.

Heat as needed: Think about how you use each room in your home. If you spend most of your time in the
living room, you may not need the bathroom radiator to be set at the same temperature. Similarly, there may be no
need to have the bedroom radiator on all day if you are elsewhere in the home. Setting your radiators to different
temperatures based on how you use each room can help reduce wasted heat and energy costs.

Use your heating timer: Most thermostats are fitted with a timer which allows you to control when your
heating comes on and off. Setting your heating to match your daily routine can help reduce energy use. If you
usually go to bed at 10pm and get up at 7am, you could set your heating to come on shortly before you get up
rather than leaving it on throughout the night.

Bleed your radiators: If your radiator has cold spots, particularly at the top, it may need to be bled.
Bleeding a radiator releases trapped air, allowing it to heat more effectively. You will need a radiator key, which is
available from most DIY shops. Just make sure your heating is switched off and the radiator is cool before starting.

Use radiator reflectors: Heat can be lost through the wall behind your radiators. Radiator reflector
panels can help reflect heat back into the room rather than allowing it to pass through the wall. These are available
from most DIY shops and can help improve the efficiency of your heating.

Get advice: Our partnership with Changeworks gives you access to an online library of expert advice to help
you understand your rights and options when it comes to energy. We know that it can be tempting to reduce your
heating to save money, but understanding your heating system, speaking with your energy supplier, and checking
whether you are eligible for additional financial support can help you stay comfortable this winter while managing
your energy costs.

Visit http://www.changeworks.org.uk/tes-advice

Avoid burst pipes

Taking steps to avoid burst pipes can reduce disruption, distress and expense caused
by burst pipes this winter.

When temperatures fall below freezing for a period of time, the water inside pipes starts to freeze. This puts pressure
on the pipes and joints which can cause them to crack or split. When the water thaws and becomes liquid again,
it leaks out of the split. Sometimes this is a small water leak, but on other occasions it can be a ‘catastrophic’ leak
causing major damage to a property and the contents within.

• Draught proofing can help to keep your home warmer while reducing energy bills. You can find advice at the
link above, or on the Energy Saving Trust website.
• Most radiators will have a snowflake setting, if you turn your thermostat down to this setting it will help prevent
the temperature in pipes from falling too low, and minimise the risk of frozen pipes.
• It is a myth that leaving your tap dripping can stop your pipes from freezing. In fact, leaky taps can cause your
drains to freeze and water to back up to your sink, leading to an overflow. Always make sure your taps are
fully off, and if you have any dripping taps call our Repairs and Maintenance team and we will arrange for a
repair to be carried out.
• If temperatures are below freezing for a number of days, opening the cupboard doors under your sink allows
warm air to circulate around pipes.
• If you are leaving home for more than two weeks in winter, always let us know so that we can take precautions.
• Make sure you know where your stopcock is and test your stopcock. Turn it off and let the water run. If the flow
reduces then stops, it is working. If, after 5 minutes, the flow is the same please contact us for a repair.

What to do if you have a frozen pipe: In freezing weather if some taps are working and others
are not, you may have a frozen pipe. Try to isolate where the frozen pipe is, and try to raise the temperature with
towels, or placing portable heaters in the room.

If you turn on all your taps and no water is coming out it is likely that you have frozen pipes. Turn off the water supply
at the stopcock and contact our Repairs and Maintenance team, we can arrange alternative heating and can assist
with the running cost of these.

What to do if you have a burst pipe:

1. Immediately turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
2. Turn off the electric supply by opening your electrical distribution board (pictured) and turn off the mains switch.
3. Open up taps in the bath/sinks to drain down the water in the system.
4. Soak up as much water as you can with towels etc.
5. Contact us, we will arrange for a plumber to attend and will visit your home to assess any damage and arrange
repairs to be carried out.

Water damage can be costly if your personal possessions and belongings are affected. We would like to remind
you of the importance of having home contents insurance in the event of a burst pipe. Albyn is not responsible for
any loss or damage to your own items and therefore recommends you take steps to protect your contents.