The winter months are beginning to draw in which means you might soon be seeing an increase in your heating and energy bills, especially if your home is not quite up to scratch.
Upgrade/service the Boiler
It’s better to deal with this one now before it gets even colder. That old gas boiler you’ve got ticking away could be costing you more money than it’s worth and might not be doing the same effective job it was doing in the 80’s. Getting it serviced (or replaced!) could save you money, energy and could save you from carbon monoxide poisoning.
CO Alarm
Speaking of carbon monoxide, now that you’re starting up the heating for the first time in 9 months, or in some cases you might even be building and lighting fires on a daily basis, then a carbon monoxide alarm is a vital addition for your home. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that gradually builds up in your bloodstream. Breathing it in will make you ill and in a high enough dose, it can kill you.
Exclude those Draughts!
You probably don’t even notice a draught during the summer months, in fact, you’re probably grateful for a bit of cold air! During the winter months, however, that draught will seriously contribute to lower temperatures in your home. Make sure you get some draught excluders for the offending doors and windows. If your chimney is decorative, it’s also worth buying a specialist draught excluder to stop the hot air escaping and the cold air rushing in.
Clear your drains
All the leaves, twigs and other autumnal debris may only seem like a bit of an eyesore, it can actually lead to all kinds of issues. For example, blocked drains and pipes can cause flooding and structural damage to your home. Ensure you have a good declutter before the leaves and twigs turn to mulch and block off you drainage!
Bleed the radiators!
Many of us rely on our radiators as the main source of heat during the winter months. So it makes sense that you should ensure they’re all in tip-top condition. If they feel colder at the top than they do at the bottom, then they need to be bled. Grab the key and a towel and get cracking! Your home will be toasty in no time.
Protect your pipes
We’ve all read the horror stories about pipes bursting on Christmas day, ruining the day for families. Protect yourself from this disaster by surrounding your pipes in a foam coat known as “lagging”.
Take out insurance
Whether you are a landlord or the homeowner, there are plenty of insurance policies that cover your gas, electrical and heating systems, so that you are one step ahead of the cold. Sometimes these policies can even be purchased as a bolt onto a home policy, or they may come packaged in a landlord/home or contents policy.