You know that winter has arrived when talk of Christmas begins! The festive season will soon be upon us, and if your home is not winter ready, it may not be the pleasant time that you are anticipating. With that in mind, read on to find out whether your house is prepared for winter and, if not, what you can do about it.
Is heat escaping through the chimney? If you have a fireplace that you don’t use, it could be resulting in a significant amount of heat loss. Of course, it’s understandable that you may not want to board up the fireplace, but this is not the only solution. You can actually get chimney balloons, which are fire resistant (good news if you forget about it and set a fire!) and they keep out cold air effectively.
How heavy are your curtains? If you merely have drapes or light curtains, it’s definitely time for a change. Did you know that roughly 40 per cent of heat escapes from your property due to uncovered windows? By investing in heavier, lined curtains, you can prevent this from happening, as you will limit where hot air can get out and ensure your windows are properly insulated. Plus, you will stop the icy winter breeze from getting in too.
Is your boiler in good condition? Worryingly, two in three households have never had their boilers serviced. If you are guilty of this, you should definitely make sure your boiler is working sooner rather than later. If your boiler is old, there is a very high chance that it is going to be inefficient. This is because, over time, boilers start to lose pressure.
Have you bled your radiators recently? One way to make your home comfortable and warm during the winter is to bleed your radiators regularly. When air gets into your radiator system, it can stop it from being filled with water. The trapped air will be released once you bleed the radiator, ensuring it runs more efficiently.
Have you cleared your gutters? If you have not cleared your gutters yet, your home is definitely not quite winter ready. One of the great things about gutters is that they get rainwater off your roof. Your gutters won’t be able to do this if they are blocked. There are some clear signs that your gutters need clearing, for example, if there is any discolouration on your walls or if the rainwater goes down the side of your property. It is important to get this dealt with as soon as possible, as water results in damp and mould, which can have a negative impact on your health.
Have you got a smart meter? If you don’t have a smart meter, now would be a great time to purchase one. Smart meters enable you to be more in the know about your heating system. You will get to grips with how much it is costing you to heat your property. Smart meters show you how much electricity and gas you are using in money terms, as well as how much energy you are using. It’s an excellent way to make sure you are using your heating efficiently and save some money in the process too.
Have you checked your oil tank yet? If you have an oil central heating system, the oil will be stored in a tank. It is up to you to monitor your usage. If your oil is running low, it would be a good idea to place an order for cheap heating oil sooner rather than later. After all, you don’t want to run the risk of running out!
Are your hot water pipes insulated? Winter months are when your hot water pipes are most at risk of a burst, which could be a disaster. Plus, most homeowners don’t know whether their pipes are insulated correctly or not. You can insulate your pipes yourself by using lagging, which will be available in any DIY shop. It doesn’t cost a lot, and not only will it prevent a burst pipe, but it could also save you some money every year by reducing heating loss.
Is your roof insulated? Last but not least, there are too many homes that are not taking the correct measures to make sure they are properly insulated. It is estimated that one in every four properties lose heat through the roof. Investing in loft insulation is one of the best ways to cut this heat loss.
*collaborative post
