1    If you have a gas fired boiler , remember to check that you know how to re-ignite a pilot light . Rural rented homes in the Peak District can often be exposed to  extreme weather, and on days when there are high winds its not uncommon for the pilot light on gas appliances to blow out causing the heating to then not come on. Re-ignition usually takes seconds and is similar to lighting a burner on a gas stove (electronic ignition at the press of a button ). If the problem won't go away then make contact - it could be that there is a problem that needs investigating. If its only a pilot light, you could have to pay the call-out fee for the Landlords Gas Safe Engineer to do a 30 second job!

2    If you have electric Storage heaters then you will need to make sure that you know how to use them in cold weather. The clue is in the name - these types of heaters store heat and you need to get into the habit of predicting how much you heat you  need to input overnight as this is what you will have available during the day. Here is a link to find out more about how to optimise your Storage Heating 

3    Although you should have Landlord fitted insulation in your roofspace, if your upstairs rooms are particularly cold you might consider putting in additional insulation - there is no harm in adding more. Make sure that you don't block up ventilation slots at the eaves or mounted on the roof pitches as this will control the built up of any condensation.   There are often 'winter specials' that make it very affordable to fit additional insulation and make sure that you wear protective clothing and a face mask if you install yourself. 

4    In thick walled houses and cottages  in winter , it is better to keep the heating on a 'low' setting  at all times when you are not in the property rather than expect the walls to heat up instantly when you arrive back from work. The walls will store heat and it is a good way to stay warm and combat the potential for condensation to form with an abrupt change in heating patterns. If you just turn the heat on to maximum when you are at  home  you will more than likely just be heating the air and your rented home will not feel warm especially when you are close to external walls.

5    Avoid as far as possible drying out clothes inside or on radiators. Damp in the air makes properties feel much colder and you run the risk of condensation forming . 

6    Finally , if there is a well ventilated cellar , seal up any gaps around skirtings and floor  to stop cold air coming into the property.

Stay warm this winter !