Yes. We’ll maintain temperatures between 18 and 21°C, which is what the NHS recommends for health and comfort.
At Places for People, we care about the comfort and wellbeing of our Customers, and the sustainability of our Communities.
That’s why from August 2025, we've started making small but important changes to heating and lighting in our communal buildings and in buildings where we control the heating temperatures to help everyone use less energy.
From August 2025 we will be:
- Maintaining the indoor heating in communal areas at 18-21°C during the winter months.
- Turning down the heating in communal areas between 9pm and 6am, while people are asleep.
- Turning off or lowering the heating in communal areas during the warmer months, typically April to September.
- Adjusting all hot water systems in the building to 60°C.
- Switching off communal area lights during the day wherever possible.
- Scheduling maintenance more efficiently to be during the summer months.
- Treating heating breakdowns as non-emergencies over the summer. Our engineers will not be available for callouts between 6pm and 8am, as demand for heating is typically low during these months.
These steps have been designed to be like the ones many people already take in their homes to maintain a comfortable temperature and control energy use.
Why are we doing this?
We’ve heard from Customers and Colleagues that many communal areas feel too hot, and that windows often need to be opened when the heating is on.
By managing energy use we can:
- Make homes more comfortable
- Help to lower service charge costs for Customers
- Improve the reliability of our heating and hot water systems
- Cut carbon emissions to protect the environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still be warm in winter in communal areas and corridors?
Will the heating be turned off completely?
The heating will only be turned off during warmer periods, and only when indoor temperatures are already warm enough. Our systems are designed to automatically switch on if temperatures drop too low. Frost protection and backup systems will ensure homes never become too cold.
Will it be cold in the communal areas overnight?
Not at all. The heating will simply be turned down slightly between 9pm and 6am.
What if I’m an older or more vulnerable resident?
Your safety and comfort are our top priority. We’ll monitor conditions carefully, and where needed, settings can be adjusted to meet specific needs. Please talk to us if you have concerns.
Will frost protection still be in place?
Yes. Our systems are designed to automatically switch on if temperatures drop too low, so you’ll always be protected from frost.
Is this just about cutting costs and services?
Not at all. These changes are based on the same smart practices millions of households already use to save energy, lower bills, and care for the environment.
What if I have concerns?
We’re here for you. Colleagues are available to answer your questions and receive feedback throughout the changes. We’ll also be reviewing the changes throughout and making adjustments where necessary.