Winter Is Coming!

After months of glorious sunshine and scorching temperatures we’re all starting to suffer cooler mornings and chilly evenings.  The leaves are starting to fall, nature’s colours are taking on an Autumnal hue and the nights are drawing in. 

​It’s now time to get your home ready for the winter months so I’ve drawn up a list of the top ten most important jobs you need to be doing right now.

Preparing your house for the winter months
​

1.  Lag Your Pipes
 
Freezing pipes create a lot of pressure internally and can cause £1000’s of flood damage if they burst.  By insulating your pipework you not only avoid the risk of the pipes freezing during the depths of the winter but you will also save a few quid on your energy bills.  It’s extremely easy to do if you use the foam insulation as they come scored down the middle making it easy to split.  You simply cut them to size with a hacksaw, split the tubes and pop them around the pipes, not forgetting any bends.  You should do this for all copper and plastic pipework that is currently exposed and don’t forget to check the size before purchasing. 
 
If you have an outside tap you can also purchase a special shaped cover to stop it from becoming frozen.  ​​

2.  Clean Your Gutters
 
A build up of leaves and debris could cause gutters to block, crack and become damaged but if you’re not happy about going up a ladder, it’s worth paying a professional to get your gutters, gullies and downpipes cleaned out before the onslaught of rain, snow and wind. It costs between £60-100 to get it done but gives you peace of mind when you're snuggled under the duvet during those stormy nights ahead.
  
3.  Top Up Your Fuel Supply
 
This should be done as soon as possible.  Try and avoid ordering your LPG or oil during the winter months as prices tend to increase and suppliers become very busy.  You don’t want to find yourself out of fuel on the coldest day of the year.  Plan ahead.

4.  Insulate Your Loft
 
Insulating your loft is the best thing you can do to prevent all that lovely heat disappearing through your roof so it's well worth the outlay. The government have recently launched the Green Homes Grant where you can get between £5000-£10,000 for a whole host of energy saving measures for your home including loft insulation.

There’s lots of information about different grants on this website:
www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grants​

5.  Draughtproof Windows and Doors

According to the Energy Saving Trust, 46% of us still haven't tackled this task. The charity estimates that a good draught-proofing job for the whole house will cost between £85 and £276 for materials and professional insulation and will save you £100’s in the long run.
  
6.  Check Your Roof
 
The winds seem to be getting stronger every winter so it’s imperative you check that you have no slipped, cracked or broken tiles on your roof.  Don’t leave it until you have rain bucketing through the loft!

​7.  Fix That Broken Fence
 
Talking of wind, make sure your fences and gates are all secure and mended before the storms arrive.  This will keep you safer from burglars, keep your pets secure and avoid any costly insurance claims when the broken fence panel finally shears off and ends up in your neighbour's garden.

8.  Get Your Boiler Serviced

Your boiler should, without fail, be serviced every year.  A professional, GasSafe registered plumber will ensure that it’s safe and running efficiently.  Take a look at the checklist of what’s included in a service by Carters  https://www.adamcarter.plumbing/boilers.html 

​It’s the best £72 you’ll spend this winter but book early – we plumbers tend to get very busy between October and February.  Call me - 07717 572957 ​

9.  Have Your Chimney Swept
 
Like your boiler, this should be down on your calendar as an annual task in order to keep you safe from the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  Furthermore the harsh cold weather can do some serious damage to chimney masonry and a good chimney sweep will check this for you as well as removing the build up of soot and debris from the flue and checking that your grate or wood burner is in good repair.
  
10.  Avoid roofing and loft projects!
 
It’s common sense really, but if you’re planning a new roof or a loft conversion, try not to start it until the spring if possible.  Not only will you avoid the risk having a loft full of rain or snow, you’ll also spend a fortune on wasted energy bills and could risk having your property open to the elements over Christmas when trades down tools due to the weather!  A good tarpaulin is ok but it’s not ideal when it’s raging 50mph outside whilst you’re trying to watch the Queen’s speech!

Thanks for reading my little guide.  I hope it's been useful - feel free to share it or add your comments or additional tips below. 

​​Stay safe over the winter months and, in the words of Dianna Ross, if you need me, call me!

​

​Adam Carter
07717 572957
Gas Safe Register No 567589