Winter can be a challenging time of year for home-owners. The wet and cold weather can do damage to the outside of your property, and the cost of keeping up with heating can be considerable – even when price caps are in effect.
Insulate
Insulation is the means through which you can prevent the generated heat in your home from being lost to the outside. Insulation comes in many different forms. You may insert mineral wool into the gaps between the joists in your loft or thinner, board-style insulation into the space just below the roof itself. You may also install double-glazed windows or insulate your cavity walls with the help of injectable, expanding foam.
If you’re insulating your loft space, then make sure that there’s adequate ventilation for air to circulate. This will ensure that you don’t run into problems with condensation. If you’re going to be DIYing any of these steps, it’s worth investing in quality power tools.
Boiler checks
Your boiler is arguably the most important appliance in your home as far as energy is concerned. In a matter of seconds, it can consume the same amount of energy as a light bulb that’s left on for hours. Therefore, it’s worth ensuring that your boiler is as energy efficient as possible by having regular checks and annual services scheduled. This will also minimise the likelihood of your boiler breaking down, which will be disastrous during the worst of the cold weather.
Check for gaps
Small gaps in the fabric of your property will allow unwanted cold air to enter. This will, in turn, cause lots of precious heat to be lost, which will prove to be very expensive over time. Search out the draughts and see if they can be sealed. They’re most commonly found in the spaces around your windows and doors. One inexpensive solution here is to install compression strips around the doors themselves. If you have an old house with equally old and badly fitting doors, you could try using draught excluders on the floor. These solutions will plug any gaps and prevent cold air from getting inside. If you’re having trouble identifying the draughts, then it may be a good idea to hire an electronic device that will detect them for you. It works a little bit like a remote thermometer and will emit a warning noise whenever it’s aimed at a source of cold air.
Clean outside
It’s vital that the exterior of your home is kept clean and tidy. This way, unnecessary long-term damage won’t be suffered, and you’ll be able to stay as safe as possible. Unclog your drains, sweep your paths clear, clear out the gutters and mend your fences. If your property is overhung by trees, then it’s crucial to give your drains, gutters and down-pipes a clear-out. Blockages could cause the gutters to overflow, which may be bad news for your roof and any structures located underneath the affected area.
Carry out these and other home winter checks to keep your property in tip-top shape and prevent unnecessary remedial work down the line.
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