How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
The winter months can be challenging for homeowners, requiring extra preparation and maintenance to protect your most valuable asset – your home. Simple steps like weatherproofing windows, inspecting the roof, cleaning gutters, and servicing your heating system can save thousands in repair costs down the road.
Plus, a well-maintained home tends to retain its value and sell faster when it’s time to list the property. Proper winterisation keeps your home attractive to buyers and renters alike, while preventing minor issues from becoming major repairs.
Don’t let cold temps catch you off guard. Follow these tips to ready your home for winter’s wear and tear.
1) Test Your Heating
As we transition from summer to winter, you’ll probably be re-acquainting yourself with your heating. Before the weather gets really cold, start to think about whether your radiators need bleeding. After a few months out of action, you may find that your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom. This normally means the radiator needs bleeding.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your heating (and money), check that your boiler is working, and dust off the vents/filters for maximum benefit. This will give you some time to make sure everything is still working before the days get too cold!
2) Service Your Boiler
Check that the pilot light is on and relight it if necessary. Instructions on how to do this will be in the boiler manual, or on the side of the boiler itself. It may also be worth having your boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer. This will ultimately give you peace of mind, as leaking carbon monoxide is a risk at any time of the year.
3) Check Your Windows and Doors
Through the summer you may have left windows on the latch for some fresh air. To save on your heating bill, do a quick whip round and make sure they’re shut tight ready for the colder weather. Also, check whether there are any gaps in windows and doors so you can seal them and reduce draughts (and heating costs!).
4) Check Your Guttering
Clear any rubbish/leaves from your gutters to prevent a build-up which could result in icy, heavy gutters collapsing when the cold weather starts.
5) Hire a Chimney Sweep
The winter weather can cause damage to your chimney, so the pre-winter months are a great time to get your chimney swept.
6) Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating (or lagging) your pipes can reduce the loss of heating and also prevent them from freezing and bursting.
7) Look After Your Pipes
As the cold weather sets in, the water in your pipes may freeze causing them to burst. Not only could this cause a lot of expensive damage, but it may mean you (or your tenants) will have to move out whilst the repairs are undertaken.
Keep an eye on any cracks or holes that may appear in the outside walls that might let cold air make its way to your pipes. Seal up any gaps before they become a larger issue.
Keep the heating at a low level (above 4°C) even when you’re away from the property, as this will help maintain a consistent temperature around the pipes.
8) Locate Your Stopcock
Just in case of emergencies (such as burst pipes), knowing where your stopcock is will enable you to turn the cold-water system off and limit further damage. The stopcock is usually located under your kitchen sink and normally looks like a tap/lever.
9) Use Your Heating Timer
Using a timer for your heating can make sure your heating system runs smoothly, your house is a comfortable temperature, and helps prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
10) Check Your Outdoor Lights
Taking the bins out at 6:30 pm? It’ll probably be dark by then during winter! To make sure you always have a safe, well-lit route around your home grounds, make sure your outdoor lights are in working order.
Ready for a Smooth Winter?
With proper preparation, you can keep your home in prime condition throughout the cold winter months. Don’t let the thought of winterising your home feel overwhelming. Focus on small, manageable tasks like weatherproofing windows, servicing your heating system, and inspecting the roof and exterior. A little time invested now can prevent costly emergency repairs later.
The effort you put into winter prep pays dividends when it comes time to sell. A well-maintained home in move-in condition is far more appealing to buyers.
As your local estate agents, at Humphreys Chester we want to see you comfortably settled into your ideal home this winter, whether you’re buying or selling. Our team has in-depth knowledge of the property market and can guide you through the process efficiently. Contact Humphreys Chester today to discuss preparing your current home for sale or finding your next dream property.
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