As the crisp autumn air and the festivities begin, it’s time to check a few key items around your home to prepare it for the colder months ahead. Winter and cold temperatures it brings can be harsh on your home, but with a bit of effort now you can ensure your home stays warm and safe throughout the season. Here’s a checklist to run through to make sure your house is winter-ready:
- Heating System
The heating system is the heart of your home during the winter, so it’s important to ensure it’s in top shape before the winter chill sets in. As your Letting agent, we will ensure your gas appliances are safe to use however there are a few things you can do to ensure the smooth-running of your appliances:
- Ensure your boiler pressure is topped up to the optimal number,
- Bleed your radiators,
- Wipe down and clear surface/back of radiators to ensure there’s no dust!
- Call us if you have any concerns
- Fireplace & Chimney
If your home has a wood-burning fireplace it is the Tenants’ responsibility to arrange for the annual chimney sweeping. This ensures that the chimney remains safe to use, prevents dangerous creosote buildup and ensure proper ventilation. - Seal Drafts & Insulate Where Possible
A major cause of energy loss during the winter is draughts, so it’s important to reseal gaps and improve your homes’ insulation. You can inspect windows, doors and even electrical outlets for gaps, if you find any draughts use weather stripping or caulk to seal them up or use a draft excluder on doors or windows. - Visual Exterior Check
The exterior of a home takes a particular beating during the winter months, with increase in high winds and freezing temperatures. It’s important to do a quick visual check of your home for any signs of cracks, gaps or loose panels, and check on the condition of window seals. Report any signs of wear to us, and we can discuss with your Landlord.
Clogged guttering and drains can be a cause of significant damage during the winter, particularly when snow and ice start to form. When leaves fall from the trees this can buildup in the guttering and prevent correct drainage and lead to water leaks and even roof damage. Where possible, clearing our leaves, twigs and other debris from the guttering. Check your downpipes are directing water away from the property, as we want to encourage any rainwater to flow away from the property itself. If you notice anything concerns, or any damages please contact us.
- Visual Roof Check
Your roof is the home’s first line of defence against the elements in the winter. If there are any weak spots these can lead to leaks and costly damage. It’s great to do a quick inspection of the roof – please do not get up onto the roof, please check this from the ground only! - if you notice any damaged or missing tiles, any trees that are overhanging the roof, or any facias needing attention please report this to us. - Check Your Alarms
It’s the Tenant’s responsibility to regularly test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home, so we ask that you perform a quick test as part of this check list and replace batteries where needed. If there are any issues please report to us. - Prepare Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to loss of supply, and serious damage so it’s important to ensure your pipes are ready before the temperatures drop below freezing.
- Check your pipes under unheated areas of the property and insulate where possible.
- Disconnect, remove and drain any outdoor hoses, and cover the outdoor tap
In the event of an extremely cold spell, allow taps in the kitchen and bathroom to slightly drip as this will encourage water flow.
- Remember To Ventilate
We appreciate whilst it’s cold outside you may not want to have the windows open for as long as you would in the summer, however it’s still important to ensure the home is ventilated during the winter months. You may want to consider using dehumidifiers in the home to increase ventilation or could open windows for a couple of hours per day, ensure that trickle vents are left open and ensure you are heating the home to a safe degree.
- Stock Up on Winter Supplies
It’s a good idea to be over-prepared, rather than under-prepared. You don’t want to be caught out in the cold! We would recommend you stock up on a few essential items that will help manager the colder months.
- Salt and Sand - it’s always a good idea to have a supply of sand on hand to keep your walkways and driveways safe from ice – you may have a grit box local to your home.
- Shovel – if possible it’s an essential to have to help remove any snow/ice from driveway and paths to the home.
- Emergency Kit – Power shortages are uncommon, but it’s a good idea to have a basic emergency kit in an easily accessible part of your home. Recommended items to include would be torches, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods and warm clothes.
We appreciate we’ve given you a bit of home-work! But in taking these small steps to get your home ready for the winter months it will help reduce the risk of any larger maintenance issues occurring which can lead to longer term repairs being needed. Start your preparation now and give us a call if there are any issues!
