Keep warm, tackle damp, and get support (Hull & East Riding)

Cold and damp homes can make coughs, asthma and joint pain worse. Here’s a short, practical guide—with local places you can turn to for free help.

Keeping warm for health

• Aim for 18–21°C in the rooms you use most. Heat the space you’re in; shut doors to keep warmth in.
• Layer up (thin layers trap heat best) and use throws/blankets when sitting.
• Curtains/blinds: open by day for free solar gain; close at dusk to keep heat in.
• Stop draughts around doors, letterboxes and floorboards.
• Use heaters safely (never with wet clothes on top). Fit a carbon monoxide alarm if you use gas, oil or solid fuel.
• Keep warm with hot drinks and regular meals, and move around every hour.

Dealing with damp & condensation

Most household damp comes from condensation (warm, moist air hitting a cold surface).

• Ventilate: use extractor fans; open trickle vents; crack a window for 10 minutes after showers/cooking.
• Reduce moisture: pan lids on, shorter showers, dry clothes outside if possible—or in one room with the window open.
• Steady background heat in colder rooms stops surfaces getting very cold.
• Clean small amounts of mould with warm soapy water (or a dedicated mould cleaner). Wear gloves; don’t dry-brush; never mix cleaning products.
• If you have leaks, rising or penetrating damp, report repairs to your landlord or contact the council (see support below).

Priority Services Register (PSR) — please sign up (it’s free)

The PSR gives extra, free support from your gas and electricity networks/suppliers if anyone in your home is:

• of pensionable age, disabled, pregnant, has a long-term health or mental health condition,
• has a child under 5,
• relies on electricity for medical equipment, or
• would otherwise find a power cut or energy issue especially difficult.

Benefits can include: advance notice of planned power cuts, tailored communications and accessible formats, a password scheme for safe home visits, meter-reading support, and a nominated contact.

How to register: open this link and use partner code 241  →  Sign up to the PSR

It’s free, doesn’t affect your tariff, and you can register regardless of who your supplier is.

Where to get extra help (local)

Free local support

Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC

• 1-to-1 energy advice, problems with an energy supplier
• Understanding energy bills; advice on smart meters
• Emergency top-up vouchers; energy-saving tips
• Social tariffs for water

Make a referral Money & rights

Hull and East Riding Citizens Advice

• Support if you have multiple debts
• Benefits checks and wider advice

Refer to Citizens Advice Home improvements

East Riding Council – Healthy Homes Team

• Energy-efficiency grants and home-improvement support

View grants & help

In an emergency

• If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
• For a power cut, call the free national number 105.

This page is for guidance only. If you need this information in another format (large print, easy read, community language), please contact the team.