Winter
can be a fairly unforgiving time of year for those who fail to adequately
prepare their house for the arrival of the inclement weather. As the days begin
to get shorter and the temperature steadily drops, knowing that you have done
everything in your power to minimize the risk of your comfort being disrupted
will make for a far more relaxing few months.
It’s
a good idea to start considering where improvements can be made when the
weather is still pleasant, as some jobs will require a significant amount of
time spent outdoors. Here are some tips on how to get your house ready for
winter before it’s too late.
Check
your heating system
It’s
likely that after a good few months of balmy weather, you won’t have even shed
a thought for your central heating system and whether it will function to the
same standard as the previous year.
Checking
your boiler works efficiently before the freezing weather arrives can help
avoid awkward, and very cold, situations further down the line. It also means
that if it is broken, you will be able to get the problem sorted quicker than
in the winter when demand for plumbers tends to soar.
Clear
your gutters
Ensuring
that water can drain freely from your gutters without getting held up is
essential for the smooth running of your home during the winter. Failure to do
so can be disastrous, resulting in structural damage, damp walls and mold on
the interior walls.
The
easiest way to clear them is to call in the help of professionals, who will be
able to quickly identify any blockage and solve the issue to the correct
standard. Companies like First Star Exteriors deal, among other maintenance, with clearing
gutters and making sure they are prepared for a long winter ahead.
Sweep
the chimney
The
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) advises that homeowners with chimneys
contact a professional chimney sweep for an inspection and cleaning at least
once a year. This is because even if your chimney appears to be in excellent
condition, a build up of creosote - a highly flammable substance - can occur
inside the walls of the flue, making it dangerous to use.
The
NFPA also recommends the installation of a sufficient number of fire alarms and
carbon monoxide detectors, while checking the batteries on existing ones to
ensure you will be alerted in good time should an incident with your fireplace
occur.
Get
good cover
Making
sure you have adequate home insurance during the winter months is essential,
particularly if living in areas that are likely to experience adverse weather
conditions. Most policies cover the typical effects of bad weather, such as
flooding or burst pipes, however other events like storm damage may not be
included.
It
is well worth the time to sit down and meticulously go through all the
different options to ensure you are fully covered with regards to your own
circumstances.
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