3rd February 2012
With the winter weather making a comeback up and down the country this week, householders might be glad that they invested in Dimplex electric heaters.
But those who have not managed to upgrade their home's heating system could take advantage of a government scheme designed to ensure pensioners and other vulnerable groups are able to keep warm in the freezing temperatures.
The Warm Front programme has so far helped 21,000 households this financial year by assisting them with the purchase of a new boiler or installing insulation in their cavity walls and lofts, but ministers say there is enough money to aid another 16,000 residences before the initiative finishes at the end of March.
Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker commented: "The cold weather we're experiencing at the moment reminds everyone how important it is to have a cosy home so I'm urging anyone who's eligible for a Warm Front grant to pick up the phone.
"Getting a new boiler, fixing an old one, or even just topping up loft insulation can lead to a warmer home in the future," he added.
Meanwhile, insurance group More Th>n has warned of the dangers this cold snap poses to homes and businesses that have been left unoccupied.
It said pipes can freeze and then thaw, which could result in water escape and flooding, causing significant damage.
To prevent this from happening, householders are advised to keep their electric central heating set to a minimum of ten degrees Celsius all the time and to remove a square of loft insulation under their cold water tank to allow warm air to rise up through the house and stop it from freezing.
Finally, homeowners who require Dimplex electric panel heaters to warm their properties this winter should consider turning off the stopcock and allowing the water in the system to drain away if they are likely to leave their house unattended for a while.
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