If you do one task before the winter really sets in, it is this. The last thing you want at any time of year is your boiler system to break down and be left with no hot water or central heating, but over Christmas, it would be even more of a nightmare. Get it serviced ASAP by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and if you don't already have it, take out boiler cover in the unfortunate case of any breakdowns.
2. Sweep the chimney
If you have a chimney, now is the time to get it swept. The damage and devastation a chimney fire can cause should never be underestimated, and for the sake of the few quid it costs to hire someone to come and do the job properly, it just is not worth the risk.
One key task an electrician can do leading up to winter is inspecting and maintaining the home's electric heating system. Electricians can troubleshoot and repair issues with electric furnaces, baseboard heaters, and other heating systems to guarantee efficient operation. Additionally, they can install programmable thermostats or smart home devices, allowing homeowners to control heating remotely and optimize energy usage.
4. Clear the gutters and drains
This is one of the easiest things on the list, but one of the most important. Debris and leaves can block the gutter drains, and if water can't flow away from the house properly, it's going to flow into it instead and cause all sorts of leaks and damp issues and believe us, you don't want that. Make it part of your home maintenance routine to clear out the drains and gutters regularly, especially after storms and before the winter properly sets in.
5. Get insulation
The Energy Saving Trust reckons you can save £145 a year on average by merely having insulation put in. Around one-quarter of the heat from your home is lost through the roof, so starting with the loft is a good idea, as well as cavity wall insulation. For some people, grants are available to help you out with the cost of having insulation installed, and there are schemes to subsidise the cost. It isn't something you will regret - the benefits in the long term will definitely outweigh any short-term expenses it incurs.
6. Protect Your Pipes
One of the biggest problems that face homeowners in the winter is burst pipes. This usually happens when the water in the pipes freezes up and expands, cracking the pipes and causing leaks. The best way of preventing this is by protecting them with a layer of foam, called lagging.
By putting these tips and tricks into practice, you can potentially save yourself a whole lot of trouble and money over the winter months and in the coming years. What are you waiting for?
*Collaborative post
Great advice.
ReplyDeleteWe had our boiler checked in October so we knew it was set for the winter and our landlord is on with getting cavity wall and loft insulation put in. We have none at the moment. Eek!