As we approach the winter, it’s a great idea to perform a few quick jobs around your house and garden to winter-proof your house, make sure everything is in good working order and protect certain areas against the upcoming cold weather.
Where Should I Start?
Starting inside your home, it’s a good idea to have a look at any potential draughty areas which might let cold air in. With increased energy prices, we want to maximise keeping that warmth inside our home! Look at doors and windows to see if there is a chance for warm air to escape, and if so, consider blocking this space with a physical draught excluder. According to the Energy Saving Trust this should save around £40 a year, so it’s worth doing.
Another very important job is to check and, if necessary, replace your fire alarm. Holding down the test button once a week year-round is good practice for this essential piece of kit.
Inspect Plumbing
Check that your boiler is working as it should, and book a service if need be. It’s also useful to bleed all of your interior radiators to make sure they’re operating efficiently. This means they use energy more efficiently too. It may be worth taking time to consider pipe insulation: it’s relatively inexpensive to buy the necessary insulation materials but can stop your pipes freezing in cold weather. Fortunately, copper pipe fittings are robust and longer-lasting than their plastic counterparts; if you need new pipe fitting, it may be worth considering copper from a supplier such as Watkins and Powis.
What About Outside?
Once you’ve winter-proofed indoors, consider a few small jobs outside. It’s really beneficial to clear out the gutters at this time of year to prevent leaves blocking the drains, and it’s also worth giving the garden a little clear-up too, to avoid weak fence panels being lost in windy weather. Consider also whether your house’s security is up to date: are all external door locks working well? Check the bulbs in any outdoor security lights for added security, too.
