On Wednesday 13 January, the First Minister announced that the current guidance regarding only carrying out essential works in homes would become law. The Scottish Federation of Housing Association has spoken to Scottish Government officials following this announcement and confirmed that, given this is already the basis, the announcement does not represent any material change, but it does underline the importance of adhering to the guidance as well as the value we are all undertaking.
We can only address essential maintenance issue, and I understand that term is open to interpretation, but common sense will be key and working together will help to get through the current situation and work towards a new way of life.
Energy Efficiency
Winter can be an expensive time of year. From trying to keep the house warm with all the radiators on to the darker nights and mornings slowly creeping in. Not to mention the fact that this Winter we’re going to be spending a lot more time at home due to lockdowns. It’s inevitable that we are using more energy and equally more money will be spent.
We would all like to save a penny or two when it comes to energy. Below we are sharing a few energy efficiency tips for your home this winter. These tips can help keep your home warmer and also save you some pennies along the way.
Close doors
When you are relaxing at home try to keep your internal doors closed. This will help to manage the flow of heat in rooms. Having your heating on low consistently whilst keeping your doors shut you will help to save energy. When the boiler is turned off and on constantly it takes more energy to heat up after being cold.
Turn appliances off
Not watching TV or making a cup of tea? Make sure to turn off your appliances at the wall. Putting appliances on standby can still cause energy consumption. Ensure no energy is being used at all by turning them off at the wall.
Wash clothes at 30-40 degrees
When using your washing machine the ideal heat to wash your clothes is at 30-40 degrees. Any higher and it will use too much energy, increasing your energy bill. Most of the energy is used through a washing machine when it is heating up the water. Washing at 30-40 degrees will wash clothes just as effectively and save you cash whilst helping the environment.
Air dry clothes
Air drying your clothes can be a great energy saver if your radiators are already in use. Have clothes placed close to, not upon, radiators for maximum energy efficiency. This way, the radiators can still work to heat the room whilst also drying clothes – double benefit!
This also applies when placing objects in front of radiators. Large items like sofas and tables can block heat spreading to the rest of the room if placed too closely to the heat source. Give your radiators space so the heat can flow throughout the room!
Layer up
An obvious one, but the more layers you have on the less likely you will need your heating up high during these cold months. Wrap up comfortably and turn your heating to low-medium as this will gradually heat your home and help to lower your energy bill.
Zoom Inspections and Check in
The 6 monthly inspections are still due even though we are still in a lockdown situation and it has been great having the whatsap videos sent through, however you may wish to arrange a zoom meeting to do it, and have a chat at this same time. If you do wish to arrange a zoom inspection, please send in an email with preferred times and we can get something arranged.
I am conscious how isolating the world is at the moment, and if we are able to help we are happy to help as much as we can. In March 2020 I sent an email stressing that communication is key at this time. It is important to keep in contact.
If you are experience financial hardship please look at https://tenanthardshiploan.est.org.uk/
Kindest Regards
Michelle O’Donnell
Branch Manager
17 Elmbank Street
Glasgow
G2 4PB
0141 221 3990
Registration number LARN1903009
VAT : 174415411
SC345735
The information in this e-mail is confidential. The contents may not be disclosed or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this message. Glasgow Property Letting Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this message as it has been transmitted over a public network.
We will no longer retain emails from you as per GDPR legislation. This means when you send us an email you should keep a copy for your own records if you will need to refer to it at a later date. You can dispose of your own copies according to your own GDPR retention policies.