The UK has a serious problem with cold, draughty and damp homes – in fact, our housing stock is among the least efficient in Western Europe. This problem affects households in all demographics and in all areas, but it is particularly acute in the private rented sector. In the last year, Citizens Advice helped nearly…
A blocked drain can be a real pain, and with winter coming up, blockages are set to become far more commonplace, and our emergency plumbers will be heading all over the UK to get people’s drains back up to standard. But although the biggest jobs for drainage experts typically involve oils, grease and fats poured…
Scotland has a serious problem with fake electrical items. Glasgow’s enforcement agencies have seized nearly 10,000 fake electronic goods since 2010, or more than any other enforcement agency in the UK, and a recent poll by the Scottish Government revealed that 90% of people in Scotlanddon’t associate fake and counterfeit items with associated crime. However,…
Even though landlords are responsible for the majority of repairs in the home, tenants across the UK are shelling out their hard-earned cash to make their landlords’ properties habitable. Tenants are constantly getting in touch with 247 Home Rescue to ask us about repairing leaking boilers or fixing broken fuse boxes, despite the fact that these…
It’s no secret that many people across the country are concerned about the cost of energy. In fact, a recent survey of 6,000 low-income households by Citizens Advice found that 78% of respondents are worried about the cost of the energy they will consume over winter, with 17% calling fuel bills a “strain” and 26%…
Many people think they couldn’t live without their domestic appliances, recent research has shown. A poll, by Direct Line Home Insurance, revealed that the 15 most essential items for modern day-to-day life are: The internet Showers and baths Televisions iPads, laptops and tablets Cars Smartphones and mobile phones Pet dogs and cats Washing machines Cups…
A home emergency in Plymouth, Devon, has underlined the importance of gas safety checks and carbon monoxide detectors. At 9:25am this morning (31st October), Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to a residence in Houndiscombe Road, Mutley, after a carbon monoxide detector had activated. Three fire crews visited the property, with the…
If your house catches alight, the flames won’t necessarily be the biggest danger. More than half of all deaths in house fires are due to smoke inhalation – some estimate that the actual figure is closer to 80%. When people inhale the gases created by combustion – which can include cyanide and carbon monoxide –…
Opportunist thieves are looking forwards to the dark nights, so they can break into homes through the cover of darkness. Halifax Home Insurance data recorded a total of 2,832 burglary claims over the last winter, with these break-ins typically costing 12% more compared to in the summer and with the average claim costing £1,727. To…
A huge number Brits have experienced home emergencies over the winter, the AA has found. A survey by AA Home Membership found that over 80% of households have experienced some form of property damage over winter, with this damage frequently caused by the weather. The most common form of property damage experienced during the winter…
