It may not feel like it just yet, but winter will be here soon, and as temperatures will rapidly drop, it’s essential to prepare your home to withstand the challenges that the cold season can bring. It’s also a good idea to get a head start whilst the weather is still mild and enjoyable.
Proper winter home maintenance not only keeps you and your family warm and comfortable but also saves time and money in the long run. To help you get ready for winter, we've compiled a checklist of essential maintenance tasks to ensure your home is winter-ready.
Before the cold hits, it’s the perfect time to have your heating system professionally inspected. Things will be less busy in summer, at the end of summer, or right at the start of autumn, so it’ll be easier and faster to book your annual boiler service, repair or any other heating related maintenance. You’ll then be well prepared with an efficiently operating heating system ready for the winter.
Test out your radiators to see if they’re working properly too. You may need to bleed the radiator if you can feel cold spots or it’s not as warm as it should be. If after bleeding them, your radiators are still not working as they should, our professional plumbers can inspect them and perform a powerflush to solve the problem.
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during winter. Insulate your loft and walls to prevent heat loss. Check for gaps or cracks in windows and doors and seal them with weather strips or caulk to prevent draughts.
Additionally, you can invest in thermal curtains or blinds to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows. These can help reduce heat loss through glass surfaces.
Install draught stoppers at the base of exterior doors to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. You can also insulate your fireplace and chimney area if you don’t use it. And if you need to repair, replace, or upgrade your windows or doors, our glazing team are on standby.
Clear leaves, debris, and any blockages from your gutters and downspouts. It’s a good idea to do this outside job while the weather and temperature is still mild
Cleaning and unblocking your gutters can help to prevent water damage and roof issues, especially during harsh weather.
You may also want to inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Repair any issues to prevent leaks during winter weather. Consider adding insulation in the loft to help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
If you won’t be using them over winter, disconnect and drain your outdoor hose, and shut off the water supply to outdoor taps. Insulate exterior pipes to prevent freezing and potential damage.
Before it gets too cold and dark, it’s also a good idea to trim trees and branches near your home to prevent them from falling and causing mess, damage or other issues. Consider covering delicate plants to protect them from frost.
Once that’s done, you can store lawnmowers, trimmers, and other garden tools properly for the winter. Store equipment in a dry, secure location.
You can also either store or cover outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements. This will prolong its lifespan and make it easier to set up once spring arrives again.
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly, replacing batteries if needed. With all the heating equipment such as electric blankets, as well as things like Christmas lights that you’ll likely be using over this period, you’ll want to be as safe as possible.
It’s also a good idea to start stocking up on anything you think you’ll need for winter early. Make sure to have essential tools like de-icer spray and a scraper for your car. You never know when those icy mornings will start to catch you out.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat if you haven't already. This allows you to set a lower temperature when you're away or asleep, saving on heating costs. Some you can even access remotely via your smartphone.
If you plan to be away during the winter, take precautions to prevent frozen pipes and other issues. Set your thermostat to a minimum temperature, ask a neighbour to check on your home if possible, you might even want to shut off the water supply.
By following this winter home maintenance checklist, you'll ensure your home is ready to face the challenges of the cold season. Pre-emptive maintenance is worth the effort as it greatly helps protect your investment in your home, as well as keep you comfortable and potentially reduce bills.
As experts in 7 different trades that can help keep your home functioning to its fullest, we at Able Group are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you. Whether you need expert plumbing, electricians, glazing or gas engineers, just give us a call on 0330 108 4111