It might be mid-summer where you are, but time seems to go so quickly that before you know it, you’ll be thinking about Halloween and Christmas! So, with that in mind, it’s never too early to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead.
Here are a few key things you should do to ensure your home is ready for winter.
Service Your Heating System
First, you’ll want to make sure your heating system is in good working order. This means having it serviced and inspected by a professional before the cold weather hits.
Don’t forget that your boiler warranty may require an annual service, so make sure to check before booking a service.
If you have a gas heating system, you should also check the expiration date of your carbon monoxide detector and replace it if necessary.
Insulate Your Home
Next, you’ll want to make sure your home is well insulated. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out, saving you money on your energy bills.
There are several ways to insulate your home, including:
-Adding insulation to your attic
-Sealing any gaps or cracks around doors and windows
-Installing draught excluders
-Putting heavy curtains up at your windows
Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, then it’s time to bleed them. The issue is caused by trapped air, and bleeding the radiator will release the air and allow the water to circulate properly.
This is a simple process that anyone can do, and it only takes a few minutes.
To bleed your radiators:
- Turn your heating on and wait for the radiator to warm up
- Find the bleeder valve (this is usually located at the top of the radiator)
- Place a bowl or towel beneath the valve to catch any drips
- Slowly turn the valve until you hear water running, then close it again
Check Your Smoke Alarms
It’s also important to check your smoke alarms and make sure they are working correctly. This is something you should do every year, as batteries can die without you realizing it.
If you don’t have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them, and it could save your life in the event of a fire.
Prepare Your Windows and Doors
Next, you’ll want to ensure your windows and doors of your home are prepared for the cold weather.
If you have drafty windows, you can either install new ones or seal them with plastic film, and this will help keep the heat in and the cold out.
You should also check your doors to make sure they are sealed properly. If not, draughts can come into your home, making it colder and costing you money on your energy bills. If you’re on a tight budget, draught excluders or even rolled-up towels can help to keep the cold outside and the heat in.
Clean Your Gutters
The next job on your list is to clean out your gutters. This will help prevent them from becoming blocked with leaves and debris, which can cause problems like water damage or leaks.
You can clean your gutters yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, it’s essential to keep them clear so that they can do their job correctly.
Cut Back Trees and Bushes
If you have any trees or bushes near your home, it’s a good idea to trim them back. This will help prevent damage to your property if they fall during a storm.
It’s also a good idea to remove any dead branches that could fall and injure someone.
Prepare Your Pipes
To prepare your pipes for the winter, insulation is the best option. This will help prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can cause serious damage to your home.
You can buy special pipe insulation from most hardware stores or make your own by wrapping them in newspaper or old towels.
Check Your Roof
Finally, you should take a look at your roof and make sure there are no loose tiles or missing shingles. If there are, then you’ll need to get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
A strong roof is essential for keeping your home warm and dry, so don’t neglect it.
Preparing your home for winter may seem like a lot of work, but it’s important to do if you want to stay comfortable and safe throughout the colder months. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your home will be ready for whatever the weather throws at it.
