Autumn is in full swing, with winter not too far on the horizon already. As the temperatures start to drop, it's important that your home is prepared for the cooler weather.
Doing a couple of simple checks now could have you a lot of hassle in the long run, before the coldness of winter really sets in. That's according to property experts at YourOverseasHome, who have revealed their top top tips and tricks for ensuring properties are ready for autumn and winter - including one important step to do with your boiler.
To ensure they’re operating as efficiently as possible, gas and oil boilers should be serviced once a year by a qualified heating engineer. This is especially important on the run up to winter, so you can avoid being caught out on a chilly morning.
Engineers are notoriously busy during the colder months, so it’s best to get one booked sooner rather than later.
Christopher Nye, overseas property expert at Your Overseas Home said: "Unfortunately, the high temperatures of summer already feels a million miles away, so it’s time to make sure that your home is well equipped to withstand the chillier season.
"People that own property in Spain and Greece might not have to worry about deteriorating weather conditions quite as much as those in the UK, but some of these tips can be applied universally."
With that in mind, here are six other ways to ensure your home is ready for the colder temperatures.
Clear gutters and drains
Falling autumn leaves might look pretty and picturesque, but they can be a nightmare for drains and gutters, as they build up and block the water flow. Ideally, you should clear your gutters and check them for damage at least once a year, but if you can do it before and after the autumn season, that’s even better.
Make quick insulation fixes
A well-insulated home can help to significantly reduce your energy bills, but you don’t have to undertake expensive and intrusive repairs to make a noticeable difference.
Poorly insulated external and internal doors are one of the most common culprits for heat loss. Try to ensure your keyhole has a purpose-made escutcheon with a fitted cover, and install a letterbox brush to prevent heat loss. If you have gaps between the door and floor, a brush strip draught excluder will prevent heat from leaving, and the cold from coming into your home.
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding your radiators will ensure that hot water is circulating through your entire heating system, as it gets rid of pockets of air that stop the hot water from circulating efficiently. It’s not the same as draining or flushing your central heating system, but it is a quick and easy task that pretty much anyone can do.
Tackle your DIY list now
Extreme weather in autumn and winter can cause what are now minor issues to become much bigger – and more expensive. So you should think about repairing broken gates and fence panels, filling in cracked render and replacing broken paving stones, for example.
Check your home security systems
As the nights draw in, making sure your home is protected is particularly important. Replace any rusty locks and test your home alarm system to ensure it’s working properly, including outdoor security lights. If you can, you could even place deterrents like dummy cameras.
Inspect your roof and chimneys
Water leaking in from a badly-maintained roof or chimney can damage your home, discolour your walls, and even mark or spoil anything you may keep in your attic. All it takes is a heavy snowfall or a bad spell of wind and rain to dislodge tiles or mortar, allowing draughts and water to sneak into your home.
Save yourself some stress by checking that your tiles are still firmly in place and that any flashing and pointing is still in good condition. If you don’t have easy access, get a roofer to have a look.
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