With winter just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to start preparing your home for the cold weather ahead. Harsh weather conditions and icy temperatures can have a huge impact on your home, not only affecting the condition of your property but affecting how much you spend on energy bills too.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can winter-proof your home before the cold weather sets in without breaking the bank. The last thing you want is an unexpected boiler breakdown or a big leak when temperatures are freezing outside. To make sure your property is completely ready for the harsh weather ahead, it’s important to give your home a little TLC beforehand.
Below, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to winter-proofing your home just in time for winter.
Draught-proof your home
One of the first things you should do winter-proof your home is shut out the cold air. Draughts can quickly bring down the temperature of your property, letting warm air escape and cold air in. There are plenty of different ways you can draught-proof your home, but you’re going to want to start with areas that let the most cold air in.
Draught excluders can be placed at the bottom of doors to keep out cold air, but if you’re really serious about keeping the warm air in, we recommend opting for door curtains. Door curtains are particularly effective for front and back doors, especially if there’s a letterbox or keyhole. There are plenty of stylish prints and designs to choose from to complement the interior of your home.
Invest in new curtains
There’s no better time than now to buy some new curtains for your property. Not only will high-quality curtains keep out cold air and make your home feel warm and cosy, but they can transform the look of a room on a budget too. When searching for the perfect pair of curtains, we recommend opting for thermal curtains. Keep them closed when it’s dark outside to help trap warm air inside your home.
Bleed the radiators
Another thing to add to your to-do list before the cold weather sets in is bleeding your radiators, especially as you’re going to be using them a whole lot more over the next few months. Sometimes air can become trapped inside radiators, reducing the efficiency of your heating system and causing cold spots all over your property.
All you need is a radiator key, a tea towel to catch any drips and an old bowl to make sure you keep your carpet fresh and clean. Make sure you turn your central heating off before you bleed the radiator, then use the key and turn anti-clockwise until you hear air hissing out and water begins to trickle from the valve. Turn the key clockwise to close the bleed valve again.
Another handy trick is to line radiators on external walls of your home with aluminum foil. This will reflect heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.
Insulate the loft
Did you know that most of the heat in your home escapes through the roof? Without sufficient insulation in place, you could be losing a whole lot of heat and wasting money on unnecessarily high energy bills. When warm air is constantly escaping your home, your heating system will have to work harder to heat up your property.
Before the cold weather sets in, check your loft to make sure the insulation is in good condition. Your entire house should have proper insulation, but it’s particularly important the insulation is effective in your loft. If you haven’t already insulated the loft or your current insulation isn’t quite up to scratch, now is the time to sort it. Effective insulation will quickly pay for itself in reduced energy bills.
Insulate your pipes
It’s important to make sure your pipes are prepared for the icy cold temperatures ahead. The last thing you want is a frozen pipe on your hands, so it’s crucial you take the necessary steps to protect your pipes now. Insulating exposed pipes is an easy and budget-friendly way to keep your water hot and prevent your pipes from freezing in the depths of winter – something that can cause extensive damage to your home and cost you hundreds in water damage repairs.
Pipe insulation consists of foam tubes covering the pipes between your hot water cylinder and boiler. Insulating your pipes will save you lots of money long-term so it’s definitely worth investing now.
Clear the gutters and drains
Winter-proofing your home doesn’t stop inside; you’ll need to do some work outside too if you want to properly prepare your property for the cold weather ahead. Gutters are designed to drain rainwater off your home; if there are any blockages, water will quickly divert over your walls which can cause extensive damage to brickwork, leading to damp and other issues.
Take the time to clear your gutters and drains before you’re hit with lots of rain and possibly snow. A trowel can be used to clear your gutters and keep them free from moss, leaves and sticks, but we highly recommend hiring a professional if you don’t have experience.
Upgrade your boiler
Perhaps one of the most beneficial things you can do before the cold weather sets in is upgrade your boiler. If you can’t remember the last time your boiler was upgraded or you’ve noticed your home takes a long time to warm up, it could be time for a new one. There are plenty of reasons why you should consider installing a new boiler in your property and there really is no better time than now.
Upgrading an ageing boiler can have a huge impact on your heating bills, helping you save money over the long winter months. Modern boilers are far more energy efficient than older models; not only will a brand new boiler save you energy and therefore money, but it will ensure you’re doing your bit for the environment too.
Over time, all boilers and heating systems suffer from general wear and tear which can lead to leaks and other issues. The very last thing you want is for your boiler to break down on you in the depths of winter, leaving you without heating or hot water. To combat any issues and ensure your boiler is in the best condition possible in preparation for winter, there’s no better time than now to consider an upgrade.
West London Gas: gas, plumbing and heating engineers in West London
If you need a new boiler installed, look no further than the experts at West London Gas. As boiler specialists, we have a wide range of clients across West London. Our team of experienced and skilled engineers specialise in boiler installations, servicing and repairs. We supply and install a range of high-quality boilers at highly competitive prices, meaning we’ll always give you a fantastic deal on a boiler that will serve you exceptionally well for years to come.
To learn more about our services and how we can upgrade your heating system, visit our website today.