Getting your house ready for the cold season may seem like an old fashioned notion, but there is still so much value in doing a few preparatory tasks here and there. There are plenty of things to be done to save you money and heartache over the colder months, and your property will surely thank you for doing so. The following guide focuses on the most useful tasks to carry out to prepare your home for the winter.
Clear the Drains and Guttering
Rain is often heavier during this season, and there are added weather complications such as snow to contend with too. The last thing you want to have to deal with is a blocked drain or faulty guttering, and most of the time this problem can be pre-empted by a simple cleaning session. When guttering becomes blocked it can cause a lot of damage and even flood a property, so it is definitely a job worth doing before heavy weather comes along.
Install a Smart Thermostat
The heating system in your house will play a large part over winter. The development of products like smart thermostats has been a real game changer in this area. Heating can be controlled more efficiently and not only will money be saved on energy bills, but you will be able to control the temperature in a more accessible and intuitive way wherever and whenever it is necessary.
Do a Window and Door Audit
Drafts are the downfall of every heating system. A room will never feel warm if the windows are rattling in their frames, and the doors are cracked or faulty. Perform a complete house wide audit of all the windows, frames, and doors to check for damage or red flag issues. Cracks in window panes should be fixed before the cold sets in to avoid complete breakages and costly repairs, and any broken frames need to be brought up to a state of strong condition too. By doing this, your property becomes more airtight and energy efficient.
Have a Deep Clean of Every Room
The weather will naturally drop down to colder temperatures, which will consequently lead to more time indoors. When this happens, there is bound to be a bigger influx of mess, dirt, and dust inside the house. By having a deep clean of every single space in the property in the lead up to a cold spell, you give your house a better chance of breathing. Take time to organize and declutter so the space feels manageable, and set things up to be cozy for those long winter nights.
Check the Pipes
A burst pipe can damage the entire house through flooding and a cessation of plumbing abilities. To avoid this from happening, any cracks or existing small fractures have to be fixed before a cold spell comes along and makes them worse. If you suspect there are faults, find a professional to rectify the issue before it becomes unmanageable.
Your house is a valuable asset, and is also where you feel safe and spend most of your time. It is never wrong to put effort into giving your property the tools it needs to stay standing over your head.
