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Get your home winter ready.

Tue 05 Nov 2024

As winter approaches, homeowners, landlords, and tenants need to start thinking about preparing properties for the colder months. At Williams & Donovan, we understand that property maintenance can be a little trickier in the winter, so we've gathered some key tips to keep homes comfortable, energy-efficient, and well-protected against seasonal challenges. Whether you’re a landlord wanting to keep your property in top condition or a tenant looking to stay warm and cozy, these tips can make all the difference.

1. Inspect Your Heating System

A properly functioning heating system is essential to keeping homes warm and preventing winter woes:

  • Boiler Check: Make sure your boiler is in good working order. Booking an annual service helps identify any potential issues early.
  • Bleed the Radiators: Air can get trapped in radiators, making them less efficient. Bleeding them allows for better heating distribution, keeping homes warmer.
  • Check Thermostats & Settings: Ensure thermostats are functioning correctly and set to a temperature that optimizes comfort and energy efficiency.

2. Insulate to Keep the Cold Out

Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and reducing heating costs.

  • Windows & Doors: Check for draughts around windows and doors. Self-adhesive draught excluders are an affordable solution and can make a significant difference.
  • Loft & Wall Insulation: If not already in place, consider adding loft or wall insulation. It’s a bigger investment, but the energy savings over time can be substantial.
  • Curtains & Blinds: Heavier curtains or thermal blinds help keep warmth in. Encourage tenants to use these options to minimize heat loss.

3. Protect Your Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the biggest winter headaches, but they’re largely avoidable with a little preparation.

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes: Adding foam insulation to pipes in unheated areas (like the loft, garage, or basement) can help prevent freezing.
  • Dripping Taps: Ensure no taps are dripping, as even a slow drip can freeze, leading to blockages and potential burst pipes.
  • Know Where the Stopcock Is: In case of an emergency, everyone in the property should know where to turn off the water supply.

4. Maintain Gutters and Drains

Blocked gutters can lead to water overflow and potentially cause leaks and damp.

  • Clear Leaves and Debris: Regularly check and clear gutters and downpipes to avoid any blockages. Water that can’t drain away may freeze, causing additional issues.
  • Drain Checks: Ensuring that outside drains are clear and free-flowing helps prevent rainwater from accumulating and freezing around the property.

5. Stay on Top of Garden Maintenance

Even though the garden sees less activity in winter, it still needs some attention.

  • Trim Trees and Shrubs: Pruning back overhanging branches can reduce the risk of them breaking and damaging fences, walls, or roofs.
  • Secure Garden Furniture: Strong winds are more common in winter, so securing garden furniture and any outdoor structures is essential to prevent potential hazards.

6. Boost Energy Efficiency

With energy costs rising, making small changes to improve efficiency benefits both landlords and tenants.

  • Switch to LED Bulbs: Replacing older bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs can save energy, especially during months when lights are used more often.
  • Use Timers on Heating: Setting a timer for heating to come on only when needed can keep energy bills in check.
  • Smart Meters: Encourage tenants to monitor their usage through smart meters, helping them stay mindful of energy consumption.

7. Keep an Eye on Damp and Mould

Damp and mould can become more common in winter due to reduced ventilation and increased condensation.

  • Ventilate Properly: Encourage tenants to keep a window slightly open or use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce condensation.
  • Use Dehumidifiers: For properties more prone to damp, a dehumidifier can be very effective.
  • Address Any Damp Patches: If damp appears, it’s best to address it quickly to prevent more severe problems later.

8. Be Winter-Ready with Emergency Contacts

Having reliable contacts on hand ensures any unexpected issues are quickly resolved.

  • Keep Emergency Contacts Accessible: Maintain a list of emergency plumbers, electricians, and other essential tradespeople who can be called if something goes wrong.
  • Tenant Communication: For landlords, communicating with tenants about what to do in case of an emergency can be helpful.

Winter preparation helps protect the property, reduce energy costs, and ensure a safe and comfortable living space. Following these steps will make winter easier to manage and can help everyone stay warm and worry-free. If you’re looking for more advice on maintaining your property this season or thinking about buying or renting a new home, the Williams & Donovan team is here to help!

Stay warm and prepared this winter with Williams & Donovan.