There are a number of tasks you can do to prepare your home for the winter weather. Whether it’s strong winds, heavy rain or extreme cold and snow, there’s something you can do to prepare for winter.
Here are some points from Steve Stone at Stone Survey, to help make your house ready for winter.
You should check and insulate your roof.
This helps keep the heat inside and reduces energy consumption. Take care not to push any insulation in the roof space into vents, as this ventilation is important to recue the risk of condensation and decay in your roof space
Check your windows and doors to ensure that here are no drafts or gaps.
Adding weather stripping or using draft excluders can help prevent heat loss but do ventilate the property for a short while, every day to reduce moisture in the property from cooking, showering and drying clothes etc.
Service your heating system
Get your boiler serviced and consider bleeding your radiators to ensure maximum efficiency.
Bleeding radiators is a simple process that can help improve their efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bleed your radiators:
- Make sure your heating system is on and running for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure that the radiator is hot and under pressure.
- Locate the bleed valve on your radiator. It is usually located at the top or side of the radiator, often in the vicinity of one end.
- Before proceeding, place a towel or container below the valve to catch any water that may come out.
- Using a radiator key or a flat-blade screwdriver (depending on the type of valve), slowly turn the valve anticlockwise. You should hear a hissing sound, which indicates air escaping from the radiator.
- Keep turning the valve until water starts to trickle out steadily. Once you see water, quickly tighten the valve to stop it from leaking further.
- Move on to the next radiator in your home and repeat the process if necessary.
- Once you’ve bled all the radiators, check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If the pressure is below the recommended level, you may need to repressurise the system. Consult your boiler’s manual or seek professional assistance if needed.
- Remember to be cautious while bleeding radiators, as the water and radiator may be hot. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to hire a professional heating engineer.
Insulate pipes
Protect exposed water pipes from freezing by insulating them with pipe lagging.
Maintain your gutters
Clear out any leaves or debris to prevent blockages that can cause water damage.
Seal cracks and gaps
Use sealant to seal any gaps around windows, doors, or pipes to keep the cold air out.
Install a programmable thermostat
This allows you to control your heating more efficiently and save on energy costs.
I hope these tips help you prepare your house for the winter season! If you need any further assistance, then please get in touch with Stone Survey for more information.