Winterproof Your Home
With the recent cold snap and nothing but low temperatures and wet weather on the horizon, it’s important that you make sure your home is ready for winter. Here are our tips for keeping your property not only warm and energy efficient, but shielded from problems that arise from freezing conditions.
Perimeter check
Have a walk around the outside of the property and search for anything that doesn’t look right, such as slipped roof tiles, crumbling brickwork, loose guttering, and unsteady garden fences and walls. Now is the time to get these fixed before the seriously unfriendly weather kicks in.
Check indoors
Do the same as above but in each room. Look for signs of damp and leaking windows, feel for draughts and listen for any dripping or other unwelcome sounds. Though these are easier to sort than external problems, tradesmen are particularly busy at this time of year so it helps to get it fixed sooner rather than later.
Balance out the heating
Rather than waiting for the property to become freezing before cranking up the thermostat, keep the temperature at 20 degrees during the day. If you get a little too warm, turn it down for a bit; avoid opening doors and windows as the heat will leave quicker than you think. You can reduce the temperature whilst you’re in bed or out of the house, but it’s recommended to keep it at around 18 degrees to prevent frozen pipes and damp.
Secure the garden
If you have a backyard, make sure that everything is put away in a shed, garage or other storage area. Winter brings with it gusty weather, which can wreak havoc with items such as watering cans, patio furniture, trampolines and other light objects.
Close the curtains
We don’t want you to be antisocial, but closing blinds and curtains can stop heat from escaping through window panes. Plus it can also make the home feel warmer psychologically, as the darkness, rain and wind will be hidden from view.
Prepare for power cuts
Blackouts are more likely during winter than summer because everyone is using more electricity for lights, heaters, tumble driers and so on. Get your house ready with candles, matches, torches and batteries in easy to reach locations.
Bleed the radiators
If you don’t have a radiator key, you can get one for a couple of pounds (or less) from most hardware stores, including B&Q, Wickes and Wilko. Simply find the square bit on the radiator, insert the key, hold it with a cloth to catch any drips, and gently turn it anticlockwise. Hissing means that air is leaving the radiator and as soon as it starts dripping you need to turn the key the other way to seal it up again. This will help your radiators to work at optimum efficiency.
Contact us ASAP
If you rent a property with us, we aim to respond within 24 hours. Give us a call on 01482 342155 or email details to gina@hhproperties.uk.com
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