Are you on top of your home maintenance this winter? Colder weather can wreak all kinds of havoc for our homes. And, whether we like it or not, the cold is definitely on the way. Whilst houses in the UK are generally built to withstand the drastic temperature changes, there are things that can go wrong in the switch between seasons. So, because of that we have put together some of our best home maintenance tips to get you started.
Draught-Proofing
As the colder nights kick in, you may start to feel some pesky draughts creeping in. If this is the case, have a look and feel around your home to identify any areas that may need more insulation. Areas that tend to allow the outside air to sneak in are your windows and doors, floorboards, fireplaces, and even your roof.
Luckily, there are some useful DIY home bargains tricks for tackling draughts yourself. Without having to fork out a ton of money.
Firstly, there’s the option to purchase some draught-proofing strips to place around your windows and block off any gaps between the window and the frame itself. Or, you can opt for a cheaper foam equivalent.
For your doors, make sure you have keyhole covers and letterbox flaps on all the external doors of your home. There are plenty of draught excluders on the market too, designed to stop any cold air finding its way underneath.
Although natural floorboards look wonderful, they can be a nuisance where draughts are concerned. Use filler to block any nooks and crannies allowing air to sneak through. Be wary when using fillers across your home though as it’s a permanent fix – perhaps a job best left to a professional!
Boiler Care
Another important home maintenance tip as summer draws to a close is to check in on your boiler. The chances are, you won’t have switched it on for a good few months, so it may need some TLC.
Booking in for a professional boiler service is a great way to eliminate the risk of any more serious issues cropping up. Or, you can do some quick checks yourself. Take a look at your boiler pressure, pipes, and radiators, in case there are any obvious errors or leaks. It is worth giving your boiler a complete power flush to get rid of any sludge that has built up from previous uses. This way, you know that when the time does come to start having a hot bath or shower, it’s ready to go. Plus, leaks could lead to mould growth!
If your boiler is on its last legs, you could opt for a new combi boiler installation instead. BOXT offer a quick, stress-free, and top-quality boiler replacement service. They can remove your old boiler. Install a new one and carry out a thorough flush of your system to ensure it all runs smoothly.
Do you live somewhere that tends to get particularly cold in autumn or winter (like the UK)? If so, you may need to insulate your pipes. The condensate pipe, in particular, is an essential component to the functioning of your boiler. If it freezes over, the condensation from your boiler has nowhere to escape to. Your boiler will simply shut down.
Security
Last but not least, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is secure. No matter where you live, it’s important to protect your family home from potential threats. This is probably one area you shouldn’t reply on home bargains for. If you’re going to spend money anywhere, it should be here!
Some ideas for extra security during the darker and colder times of the year…
- Place double locks on all your external doors, such as patio doors, conservatories, front and back doors.
- Test your burglar alarms regularly or purchase a new system if you have had yours for a number of years.
- Install timers on your outdoor lights, to either switch on during the night or when they detect movement.
Getting all your home maintenance jobs done in plenty of time means that when the cold does come, you can focus on staying warm!
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