Let the air flow around your home
It is always important to ventilate your home and let fresh air into your home to help remove airborne viruses and especially advisable as COVID-19 is still around.
Opening windows and doors at home is the simplest way of improving ventilation.
If you have people working in or visiting your home, let as much fresh air into your home as possible while they are there, and for a short period before they arrive and after they have left.
If someone in your home is self-isolating, keep a window slightly open in their room and keep the door closed to reduce the spread of contaminated air to other parts of the household. If the person self-isolating needs to access shared spaces, ensure these are well ventilated too.
You can also improve air flow by leaving extractor fans in bathrooms, toilets and kitchen areas running for longer than usual, with the door closed, after someone has been in the room.
In the winter months, it is crucial that means of ventilation, such as trickle vents on windows, are not blocked and that other ventilation is not switched off. It will barely make difference to heating costs and will help reduce COVID-19 transmission. We advise that you latch windows if you open them to ensure your safety. If any of your windows do not open or close properly, please let us know by calling 0800 953 0213 or contacting us through our website www.communitygateway.co.uk and we will get them booked in to be fixed.
How to keep warm
Ventilation does not mean you have to be cold - opening your windows for just 10 minutes an hour can help reduce the risk and allow the air to refresh.
In colder weather, where it is not comfortable to leave windows open fully, opening the windows slightly can also provide ventilation and reduce cold drafts.
Support if you are on a low income or worried about energy costs
If you are having difficulty with your energy bills, you should firstly talk to your energy supplier, who will be able to discuss personal circumstances and consider options to help, including reassessing, reducing or pausing payments.
Our Tenancy Support team may be able to provide support if you are worried about heating or ventilating your home. Gateway colleagues can see if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments and also advise on general financial budgeting and help you obtain other benefits or grants you may be entitled to, boosting your household income. Give them a call on 0800 953 0213 and they will be happy to help.