As the winter approaches, you need to make sure that your home is prepared. You want it to be a secure and trouble-free place to live, and you also want to save as much money as possible on heating bills. There are plenty of things to think about during the winter, such as illnesses that get worse, and the condition of the roads, as you travel to work. But, you should never neglect preparations in your home.
The good news is that winter preparations do not have to take up all of your time; as long as you plan carefully and allow yourself a few weeks, to make sure everything is done. Here are some things that you need to think about.
Take care of pipes
If you do take care of the water pipes in your home, before cold weather arrives, they can freeze. Frozen water expands, and can crack pipes. This means that, when the water thaws, you could be faced with leaks and even a potential burst.
Check pipes for damage before the winter arrives, and make sure that any problems are resolved. You should also fit pipe insulation, especially where pipes are likely to be more exposed to cold conditions. You should also switch off external water supplies, to hoses and sprinkler systems, and make sure that systems are completely drained.
Clear your outside space
Before the winter arrives, you should make sure that your garden is tidy, and cleared of debris. Cut back bushes and shrubs and make sure that leaves and branches are disposed of. If you do not do this, debris can build up and cause water to pool.
This can cause problems with damp, and make your property more attractive to pests.
Keep out the cold and pests
Another area where pests can be a problem is if there are gaps and cracks in the exterior walls of your home. It’s a good idea to hire pest control services, to carry out an inspection of your home, during which they should identify any potential access points.
These gaps can then be filled, which not only helps to stop pests from getting in but also helps to stop warm air from escaping. This means that you can save on energy usage, and reduce your bills.
Check the condition of insulation
Insulating your property is another important way of preventing energy wastage. Even if your property is already insulated, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the insulation in your attic and crawl spaces and install new weather stripping, if necessary.
Make use of window coverings
You may not think much about curtains or blinds, except as a means of securing privacy. But, using thicker curtains during the winter can act as a good source of insulation.
It’s worth thinking of swapping your window coverings with the seasons.
Always allow a few weeks to prepare your home for winter; that way you do not have to rush. All of the tips we have provided can help keep you safe and warm, as well as helping to protect your property, during the winter weather.
