How to prep your home for winter

Winter is quickly approaching, and it will be Christmas before we know it. If you want to be one step ahead of the game and get your home ready for winter, here are some of the things you can do to get prepared.

Upgrade your boiler

As we’re currently going through a cost-of-living crisis, many of us are choosing to heat our homes with central heating as little as possible. Whilst this is a good way to save money, it is also wise to upgrade your boiler for when you do choose to put the heating on. Modern boilers are far more efficient than older models and so despite the initial outgoing cost, a new boiler will save you money in the long run and see you well throughout many future winters.

Draught proof

If you are going to upgrade your heating, it is important to make sure that the heat is going to be retained as best as possible. Take some time to identify any areas in your home that are letting in a draught and then implement some draught-excluding solutions, whether these be homemade or professional.

Bleed your radiators

Radiators that aren’t bled regularly can gain a build-up of air which leads to cold spots; this then means that it takes a lot longer to heat up a room. There are lots of useful online guides on how to bleed your radiator so take some time giving it a go.

Have your chimney swept

If you have a log burner and plan on using it this winter, it is a good idea to get your chimney swept before using it. Having your chimney swept is an effective way to ensure that all fumes from the fire are able to escape and prevent other associated hazards.

Clear your gutters

Ignoring blocked gutters is very easy, it’s a job that most people don’t particularly enjoy. Whilst this doesn’t tend to cause too many problems during the warmer and drier months, if ignored throughout winter it can cause serious damage. As rain increases and the chance of gutters freezing and collapsing increases, it is crucial to clear them ahead of time and prevent this problem. Make sure to be careful if you choose to clear your gutters yourself.

Plan for winter weather

Every year we tend to forget how extreme the UK winter weather can be and often get caught short when there is suddenly an extreme drop in temperatures or even snow. Take this into account when preparing your home for winter and be sure to stock up on some essentials. It is handy to have some tinned food in the cupboards for if you can’t get out to the shop and some candles and torches in case of a power gut. Make sure to also have a good shovel on hand for if it does snow and you need to clear your driveway or pavement.

Organise your garden

Whilst getting your home in order, don’t neglect your garden. Cover or store away any garden furniture you won’t be using to protect it from the harsh weather. Bring in any potted plants that won’t survive if there is a frost and give the garden a general tidy up so it is in the best possible condition to enjoy again once the weather improves.