How to Get Your Home Ready For Winter
Winter may not be at the top of your to-do list at the moment as most people prefer to soak up any remaining autumn sunshine, go apple picking and enjoy pumpkin-spiced lattes. But it is important to get your home ready for winter as cold weather, ice and snow can cause serious damage to your property. Completing these indoor and outdoor tasks will ensure your home is protected from the elements and help you avoid costly repairs or a home insurance claim later on.
Getting your house ready for winter can also save you money on heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint. By sealing leaks, adding insulation and replacing single-pane windows with double-pane ones you can reduce draughts and retain warm air in your home during the winter.
It is also a good idea to replace your smoke detector batteries and test the carbon monoxide detectors as carbon monoxide poisoning tends to peak during the winter and it is odourless and colourless making it difficult to detect. During the winter, it is a good idea to create a power cut kit which should include bottled water, non-perishable foods, battery operated radios, torches and blankets.
Check your drains to make sure they are clear and free of blockages, as blocked drains can lead to water flooding your property and can also cause sewage backup and potentially toxic black mould.
If you live in an area where freezing temperatures occur, it is important to prepare your garden for winter by removing weeds, mulching flower beds and putting down protective tarps or covering your plants with a thick layer of plastic. It is also a good idea to put in a few feeders for birds as they will need extra food during the winter and to trim any trees that may fall over during winter storms.
It is important to check your home’s plumbing and heating systems before the winter as these systems are more likely to break down or fail during cold weather. A professional can clean your chimney, service your boiler and inspect your hot water heater to prevent any issues and ensure they are in working order for the winter months ahead. For Boilers Cheltenham, go to https://www.hprservicesltd.com/cheltenham-boilers/boiler-repair-cheltenham
There are many other things that you can do to prepare your home for the winter and online guides can help with suggestions for a range of tools, equipment, supplies and tricks of the trade to complete all these winterising tasks.
