As winter approaches, we need to make sure that our homes are able to provide us with protection from the worst of the weather, and keep us warm, safe and dry! Taking some time in the autumn to check your home and make the necessary repairs and maintenance could save you a lot of hassle in the winter as well as a lot of expense and discomfort.
Here are some of the things to check around your property before the bad weather arrives with the shorter days…
Doors and Windows – Many of us will leave windows open on the latch during the summer, or if you have window vents you may leave these open. Before it gets chilly it is a good idea to go around your home and ensure that all of your windows are closed properly and that vents are shut too.
Doors also play a big role in keeping your home insulated, so make sure that they are providing adequate insulation – you may want to remove your letterbox for example, and have a box outside the house for post to help keep heat in.
Heating – In the winter, we rely on central heating to keep us warm. Now is the time to get a professional like this boiler repair Gloucester based company to come and give your heating a check to make sure that it is all in order. They will check your boiler and radiators, and if anything needs to be repaired then getting it done now means that your heating will be working in the winter when you need it and less likely to break down.
Pipes – Pipes that are outdoors can be vulnerable to the cold weather – when it goes below freezing, then water in the pipes can freeze, which then causes burst pipes. Check that all pipes are well insulated and if you are going to be going away from home during the winter, even if just for a few days, ensure that you keep your heating on at a low level to maintain a consistent temperature and stop the pipes from freezing.
Prepare for Power Cuts – Bad weather in the winter can cause power cuts, so make sure that you have things to hand to get you through them. Keep a kit in a place that you can easily access with torches, batteries, candles and blankets, as well as anything that might help to keep you and your family entertained without any power, such as a pack of cards.