This year the Met Office is predicting average or warmer than average temperatures with an increase in rainfall and the frequency of cold snaps, and the recent mild spells we have experienced in months normally associated with progressively colder weather can tempt us Brits into being complacent, putting off what needs doing in the home until the weather warrants it.
Just as you and your loved ones do, your home also needs a regular health check-up and by taking into account both internal and external factors, you can quickly and effectively ensure that your home is fit to withstand the onslaught of rain, slush, ice and snow over the coming months.
Beating the winter chill
Firstly, it is important to consider that in comparison to your bills over summer, your outgoings for gas and electricity will be higher due to shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures. If you are unhappy with your energy provider or simply want to shop around, now is the time to think about investigating the alternatives before the cold really sets in.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com says that On average people who have never switched can save about £325 a year and at the same time benefit from substantially better service.
There are a number of companies who offer an online comparison/switching service and will do their best to find the best deal for you, carrying out all of the time-consuming legwork. Just make sure you have some recent bills to hand so that you are aware of your current usage figures the more information you have the quicker the process.
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If you are still looking to save money without compromising on comfort, try turning your thermostat down or setting your heating on a timer. This would allow you to program it so that on less severely cold days, it comes on half an hour before you get up or get in from work and goes off when you leave the house in the morning or go to bed at night. This simple measure will mean youre not unnecessarily overheating an empty house, but itll make sure youre not waking up to a deep freeze every morning too.
Similarly tackle your electricity bills by investing in some timer switches so that your lights come on just before you get home on an evening. You wont be coming back to a dark house every night, and at the same time you can ward off unwanted attention as the total number of burglaries rises by 8 per cent in winter months.
Work from the inside out
Getting your house shipshape for winter isnt all about adjusting your energy usage though. Make sure the important appliances are in full working order; book an appointment to get your boiler and central heating system serviced in good time to make sure it will definitely last out the season.
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Insulation is another key factor in both saving you money and making sure that your home is protected against the winter chill. As up to 25 per cent of heat loss occurs through un-insulated lofts, it is a really good idea to check that yours is well insulated and that the protection is thick enough. If you dont already have one, invest in a lagging jacket for your hot water tank and make sure your pipes are properly covered.
If you have pipework in your loft, make sure that when you are laying insulation it sits on top and not underneath as insulation makes the whole area colder meaning unprotected pipes are liable to freeze and burst. Insulating the wall cavities in your home is also effective as 35 per cent of heat loss occurs through exterior walls.
You should also check all the external features such as the chimney, guttering, driveway, garage and roofing. A quick visual inspection of your roof will tell you if you have loose or damaged tiles, or if there are any problem areas which could promote leakage – a roof should be straight so if you notice any sagging it may suggest rotting underneath.
If you do spot a problem or anything which you are unsure about, deal with it straight away. When repairing any outside feature you may need to leave time for drying etc and it is important to take this into account when planning repairs or improvements.
Autumn leaves and other debris can clog up your guttering leaving it unable to cope with a sudden deluge of winter rain, and prolonged exposure can damage brickwork and allow for seepage. Get up a ladder and check to see if gutters are clear, digging out any leaves which may have become trapped. If your guttering is sagging with age, repair the offending sections or totally replace them.
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Check that your chimney cap is still correctly in place to keep out moisture and unwanted birds/animals and make sure the surrounding brickwork is firm with no signs of crumbling mortar. Arrange an appointment with a chimney sweep if you are planning on using your fireplace through the winter months and they will check the damper is working and the flue is free from build up to avoid potentially hazardous problems further down the line.
Inspect your garage door for warping which could prevent it from closing correctly and if there is an adjoining door within the garage, check its a snug fit and there are no drafty patches which could blow a chill inside the house. Similarly check that there are no unsightly cracks or holes in your driveway, repairing smaller ones with putty and larger with concrete so that they dont get worse when it gets icy.
With all the structural preparation you might be undertaking, make sure you dont overlook your garden. Store anything youve had out in milder weather; your garden hose and watering cans, outdoor furniture, garden tools, bikes and barbeques.
Make sure you dont overlook outdoor pots and containers too, upending them so that winter rainfall doesnt collect inside and cause them to crack and break when it freezes.
If you have decking, this is a good time to scrub, paint and waterproof it so it can dry before the weather gets wet and prolong its life. If you have any outdoor lights rigged up, make sure that they are in good working order and the bulbs are replaced. The last thing you want is to end up hunting for your keys in the dark outside your front door!
One of the most important things to remember when making any key alterations to your house this season is to employ good, trustworthy workmen who will get the job done on time. If you are new to an area or unsure of who to call, get in touch with someone locally who will happily give you a recommendation. Schedule a date with your workman now as this is one of their busier points in the year and it could become impossible further down the line.
Ultimately, remember not to give into the temptation to cut corners when it comes to your home as a handy quick fix today could end up costing you double in the long run.
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