Winter Proofing Your Property

We are all concerned about one thing now that autumn has finally arrived and the temperatures have dropped. People will be looking for alternative ways to delay turning up the thermostat with energy prices having increased by more than 2.5 times since last year.

As a result of the government's energy price guarantee, which took effect on October 1st, most households in the United Kingdom will expect their annual energy bills to be in the vicinity of £2,500. Please note that this figure is not a maximum limit on your bill. The price is actually based on the number of kilowatts you consume, so if you use a great deal more energy, your bill will be higher than that figure.

Thus, it is important for you to prepare for winter at this time. In order to reduce your energy costs and maintain warmth in your home, here are some things you can do now.

Firstly - remove the draughts from your home

Old but good - draught excluders keep out the chilly winds, especially if you live in an old house. A blanket rolled into sausage shapes works just as well if you do not wish to purchase something new. As a second option, you may choose to draw your curtains, or, even better, seal any gaps in your window frames or doors to prevent drafts from entering your home.

The second step - Ensure that your gutters are clean

It is common for leaves, twigs, moss, and other debris to clog gutters, resulting in dampness in your home if water runs down the exterior wall instead of through the pipeline. Flooding and leaks may also be caused by it. Be sure to check for overhanging branches that may clog up your gutters in the near future.

The third is - Make sure your boiler is in good working order

To ensure general maintenance, turn on the heating once a week, even if you have it on a timer or delay turning it on. It is not desirable to reach a very cold spell only to discover that it is not effective. In winter, it is highly recommended to turn on the heating for an hour a day, even if you only turn it on for 15 minutes a week.

A pressure check must also be conducted on the boiler. It is recommended that the pressure be between 1-1.5 bars, according to British Gas. Your boiler should display this information on the front. Furthermore, it is recommended that you have your boiler serviced once a year, preferably before winter begins.

The fourth step. You should bleed your radiators

To ensure that your radiators are as efficient as possible, you should perform this maintenance twice a year. During the process of bleeding, air pockets that may have formed in the pipes will be removed, preventing the boiler from thoroughly heating the radiators. In order to determine whether the radiators are hot at the bottom and cool at the top, the easiest way is to feel them.

It is possible to bleed them yourself - all that you need is a radiator bleed key (available at hardware stores) and something to soak up any water that may leak out. You will only need a washing up bowl and a few tea towels.

The fifth point. Ensure that your pipes are properly insulated

In order to prevent hot water from escaping from your pipes, you can use this simple measure. Additionally, it can prevent pipes from potentially freezing when temperatures fall. Most DIY stores carry insulating tubing.

The sixth step. Ensure that your insulation is in good condition

The installation or updating of this system may be more difficult in a rented home, however, you may want to speak with your landlord if the property you are renting has poor insulation. Considering how many UK homes are old, very little insulation may be present, resulting in heat escaping very easily. It is therefore necessary to use more energy to heat these homes than is actually necessary.

Whenever possible, insulate the loft of your home if you are able to do so. It is estimated that this type of insulation will last for approximately four decades, and installation costs are estimated to range between £285 and £395. You may be able to do this yourself if you are confident, but if you are not, you should contact a professional.

The seventh step. Ensure that your roof is in good condition

A broken or slipped roof tile is one of the first signs of a possible leak in your roof. It is generally possible to observe these by simply walking around the house, or by climbing up a ladder if you feel confident enough to do so. You may wish to hire a professional to assist you if you are uncomfortable scaling it on your own.

The eighth point. Where is your stopcock?

This is the time to find this item if you do not know where it is located in your home. Usually found under your sink, it looks like a garden tap or a lever. Stopcocks immediately turn off the water supply. Therefore, if there is flooding or if the pipes have frozen, you must turn them off in order to prevent pressure from building up and causing a leak.

The ninth step involves checking your chimney

You should maintain your chimney even if you do not have a working fire in your home. During heavy rain or snow, water can become trapped inside, which can cause water damage and leaks. Ensure that the pointing is in good condition and will withstand the winter season.

The tenth. Consider using a smart thermostat

You can keep your home at a comfortable, constant temperature by installing a smart thermostat. Therefore, once the room becomes warm, the temperature can be lowered so you are not forced to sit in a T-shirt in the middle of winter because it blasts out hot air for hours on end.

Harrisons Probate Property Solutions are on hand to assist with ensuring your Vacant Property is Winter Proofed.  Speak to our team today on 01923 943499 or email info@harrisons-property.co.uk