Winter Weather Advice

Now we are entering into that time of year, please take time to read the following advice to keep your home protected this winter;

1. Stopcock – Know where the stopcock is located – if there is a burst pipe or other emergency related to plumbing you should be aware of where to turn off the mains water supply.  If you don’t know how to do this, now is the time to find out!
2. Heating – You may already know that the heating comes on and goes off at certain times but make sure you know exactly how the heating system functions.  It is best to leave the heating on low if you are thinking about going away for Christmas and the New Year or set the timer so that the heating continues to come on regularly whilst you are away.
3. Timed lighting – If you are going to be absent from the property during the festive period or at any other time, lighting timers are an excellent way to deter burglars.  
4. Fuse Box – Whilst you may know where the fuse box is, keep a torch somewhere handy so that if there is a blown fuse or a switch trips, you can find your way to it easily without having an accident.
5. Condensation –  Condensation occurs usually in rooms that do not have sufficient ventilation or heating and in poorly insulated properties.  In the winter condensation problems are worse and cause mould to form, which in turn damages the paintwork, fixtures and fittings.  Maintaining an even temperature in the property will greatly assist in reducing condensation.
6. Burst pipes – It is important that the heating comes on at regular intervals or is left on at a low temperature this will reduce the potential of the pipes becoming frozen even if you are going away.  If you are on a pre payment meter, ensure that there is enough credit on the meter to ensure the heating continues.  In the alternate, steps should be taken to 'drain down' the property if you are leaving it unheated.  Frozen Pipes
7. Combination Boilers - In cold weather the pipe that takes waste water from the back of the condensing boiler – which isn’t there in a normal boiler – freezes solid, shutting down the system and in many cases causing permanent damage. 

   British Gas says if you believe the ‘condensate pipe’ is frozen – there are a few steps you can take to thaw it out.

   You might need to repeat these steps a few times, but they should work eventually.

   • Hold a hot water bottle, or heat wrap, around the pipe.
   • Pour hot, not boiling, water over the frozen end of the pipe with a watering can, jug or kettle.
   • If you think the pipe is unfrozen, try switching on the boiler again. You might need to reset it.
   • If the boiler fires up, it’s fixed. If it doesn’t then pour hot water on the pipe again.

If your boiler pipes are still frozen after repeating these steps, call your landlord on 01623 645901.

Welcome to Challenge House

Challenge House is a professional investment and lettings agency based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire with over 35 years experience in property and lettings management, and a family owned firm with a traditional and personal service.

Challenge House has built a strong reputation and a large portfolio of independently owned properties across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Northern England, Scotland and Ireland through residential, commercial and agriculture premises.

Our service is based around finding you the most suitable location for your home, business or storage site at the most competitive rates.

Unlike other lettings and property agents - we know our properties inside and out, because we have a personal interest in all the properties and land we let, we ensure that they are well-cared for, maintained and fully functional and suitable for your needs!

Visit our portfolio today to see what's available - or if you have something specific in mind, why not give our friendly team a call on 01623 645901.

 

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Holiday Cottages

White House Cottage

www.sherwoodforestcottages.co.uk.

Blue Bell Cottage

www.blue-bell-cottage.co.uk.

Coolbeg Farm

www.ulsterholidaycottages.com.

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 Privacy Statements

By law we are required to give you a privacy statement to tell you what information we collect about you and what we do with it. This is a requirement of GDPR after 25th May 2018. You can access our privacy statements here;

Our Privacy Statement   JEW_Privacy_Statement.pdf

and

Estate Office, Mike Woodcock and Prosper Properties Ltd Privacy Statement  Estate Office Privacy Statement