Get your home winter-ready As the colder months approach, it’s important to start preparing your home for winter. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Get Your Home Winter-Ready
1. Check your heating system
As the temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure your heating system is in good working condition before winter sets in. You should schedule a professional inspection or service to check for any issues, such as leaks or damaged parts, that could affect the efficiency of your system. If you have an old boiler, you may need to upgrade it to a newer model, which will be far more efficient and help you save on your heating bills.
2. Insulate your home
Proper insulation can help keep your home warm and lower your energy bills. Check your attic, walls, and basement if you have one to see if you need additional insulation. If you are unsure how old your insulation is or whether it’s sufficient, consult a professional who will let you know if an upgrade is required. You may also want to add floor insulation if you notice any draughts coming through the floor.
A lot of cold air will also come in through your conservatory if it’s not insulated properly, so it may be worth investing in insulation such as this thermal conservatory roof to retain heat, make your home warmer and reduce energy bills.
3. Repoint your exterior walls
To prevent heat from escaping through your walls, consider repointing your brickwork. Over time, the mortar between the bricks can become damaged, allowing cold air to seep in. Repointing brickwork involves removing and replacing the damaged mortar with new mortar, helping seal any gaps and keep your home warmer. It’s important to hire a professional to do this work, as it can be difficult and dangerous to do yourself. Remember, you need to have your brickwork repointed before winter starts, as wind and rain can damage the fresh mortar.
4. Seal any draughts
Draughts can let cold air into your home, making it harder to keep warm. Check for draughts around windows and doors and seal them. Weatherstripping or caulking can be done to fill gaps and prevent air from seeping in. By sealing these draughts, you can reduce your heating costs and stay warm throughout winter.
5. Clean your gutters
Cleaning your gutters before winter is an important task that many homeowners often overlook. During Autumn, leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters, which can cause clogs and prevent water from flowing properly. When winter arrives, this can lead to ice dams and water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and walls. By cleaning your gutters before the winter season, you can prevent these issues and ensure your home is protected.
It’s best to hire a professional to clean your gutters, but if you choose to do it yourself, take the necessary safety precautions and wear gloves to protect your hands. Also, consider getting a battery snow blower to make the process easier and quicker.
So, there you have it. Follow these 5 tips to get your home ready for the season, and make sure you don’t end up with any issues right in the middle of the cold days.
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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