If winters where you live consist of snow, wind, or rain, it can negatively impact your home. Not only may your property feel generally colder, but inclement weather can also cause cosmetic or even structural damage if you aren’t careful.
Towards the end of summer/early Autumn, it’s a good idea to start considering the things that may need to be dealt with to ensure that when winter does arrive, you don’t get any nasty surprises.
Here are 9 ways to prepare your home for winter.
1. Have your boiler serviced
When it’s cold outside, your heating is likely to be on regularly, so it’s essential to have your boiler serviced. Not only will this ensure that your system is running to its optimum level, but it will also minimize the risk of your boiler breaking down when you most need it.
An engineer will visit your property to test various elements and replace any parts that show signs of deterioration. It should only take an hour or so and will ensure that your boiler is safe and in good working order.
2. Insulate your loft
Loft insulation helps keep warm air in and cold air out, so if yours has seen better days, it’s worth having it replaced. Not only will a well-insulated loft make your home warmer, but it could save you money on your heating bills too. It’s not the most appealing of jobs, but it isn’t too difficult to do it yourself, and there are many online guides with step-by-step instructions to guide you along the way.
If it’s not a job you want to undertake, there are companies who can do it for you. They usually become busier as winter approaches, so don’t leave it too late to make a booking.
3. Consider a solar generator
Buying a solar generator is a good idea, especially if you live in the countryside or further afield and suffer from seasonal power cuts from time to time. Being without any form of electricity can be a bit of a nightmare, particularly if you have children.
By having a lithium batteries to hand, you will have the ability to charge mobiles, power TVs, hairdryers, mini-fridges, and such like which should help keep things feeling a bit more normal until you get up and running again.
4. Have chimneys swept
If you have open fires, they will likely get a fair amount of use in the winter. Chimneys need to be free of soot, debris, and any other blockages to ensure that gasses can flow freely through them, so it’s wise to have them swept out once a year. You may be tempted not to bother, but chimney fires are dangerous, so don’t cut corners, or you could end up regretting it.
5. Stock up on coal and wood
Open fires and wood-burning stoves need fuel, so be sure to stock up on coal and wood. You can buy pre-dried wood from various places, but it costs a fair bit more, so if you want to save a bit of money, be organized and dry it yourself instead. It can take some time to fully dry, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Huddling around an open fire is a fabulous way to spend a cold winter’s night, so be sure to keep a stock of kindling too.
6. Have your roof inspected
Missing or slipped slates or roof tiles can result in leaks within your home and, in severe weather, may even cause structural damage. For this reason alone, it’s worth having an annual inspection carried out on your roof. It will ensure that any issues are dealt with before they worsen or before bad weather can start causing problems.
As well as having a professional inspection done, keep an eye on it yourself throughout the year, and make sure any issues are taken care of straight away.
7. Clean gutters and downpipes
Although climbing ladders and clearing muck isn’t the nicest of jobs, it’s worth the hassle to keep your home protected in the winter. Gutters divert the flow of water away from your home to reduce the risk of damage that it can cause.
If they are blocked, excess water has no clear path, and so instead of traveling down the downpipes, it can spill over onto the walls of your home. Over long periods this can lead to damp forming. It can also lead to roof leaks, mold, and water accumulation that can be costly to fix. Clean your gutters regularly and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
8. Store away outside furniture and play equipment
If your home and garden are the victims of strong winds, one of the first things you will wish you had done is cleared items from your back yard. If you have a garage or other outbuildings and have the space to do so, store garden furniture away until the bad weather has dispersed. You aren’t likely to be using it, and it could cause a fair bit of damage if the wind is strong enough.
One of the worst culprits is children’s trampolines. They have been known to cause damage to doors and windows and, in some cases, affect neighboring properties too. Where possible, move them to a more sheltered location, or if that isn’t feasible, remove the safety netting and turn the trampoline upside down. It will make it far less likely to be caught by the wind and will be far safer.
9. Top up your oil tank
If you have oil-fired heating and a tank, have it topped up before winter arrives. You will use way more oil during the winter months and so it makes sense to be organized. Although oil supply companies can usually come out fairly quickly, you never know what may happen with the weather.
Severe snow or gales may prohibit them from being able to supply you with oil at short notice, so deal with it early, and it will give you peace of mind that your home will remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the winter months.