Now is the time to make sure your property is ready for colder weather, according to experts. The Met Office has predicted temperatures will drop during the middle of November after an unseasonably warm autumn so far.
Terry Fisher from property buying website www.webuyanyhome.com said: “We’ve enjoyed a really mild autumn so far so it can be tempting to put off jobs around the house until the weather starts to feel much cooler. The reality is it’s often much easier to do these jobs while the temperatures are a little milder.
“Making sure your home is ready for the winter now will pay off in the long run.”
Clearing gutters
During autumn it’s easy for external pipes and drains to become full of leaves and debris.
A clogged gutter can eventually lead to water damage, damp and even structural problems.
Mr Fisher said: “Clearing your gutters is a small but important job. If you can’t do it yourself, call in the experts.
“This will ensure they can flow freely, preventing costly damage and hefty repair bills in the future.”
Draught proofing
Over time the seals on doors and windows can become damaged, allowing air to flow through small gaps. Not only does this allow warm air out, but it lets cold air in.
Mr Fisher said: “Make sure you plug any gaps around doors and windows by either using draught-proof tape, which you can pick up at DIY stores or online for reasonable prices, or a draught excluder.
“This should help to keep your home feeling warmer and is an important maintenance job to tick off the list before the cold weather bites.”
Check your boiler
With energy prices rising it can be tempting to keep the boiler turned off.
But failing to keep it in good nick can affect its ability to work and land homeowners with a nasty bill.
Mr Fisher said: “Many households will be keeping the heating off for as long as possible at the moment. But I think it’s worth turning it on for an hour or two to check everything is in good working order.
“The last thing you want is a blast of cold weather and a nasty surprise. It might also be worth calling in the professionals for a boiler service if it has been longer than 12 months since the last one.”
Bleed your radiators
Another job that’s often left lingering on the ‘to do’ list is bleeding radiators.
Mr Fisher said: “Radiators with bubbles of air trapped inside won’t run as efficiently and will end up costing you more in fuel bills.
“Ideally you should bleed your radiators every 12 months to ensure they are running well and heat up as quickly as possible.”
Clean and secure your garden furniture
As the mercury drops it’s time to admit that garden parties will be becoming less frequent until next year.
Mr Fisher said: “I think now is a good time to clean your garden furniture and either store it in a shed or garage or buy good covers to ensure they last well throughout the winter months.
“Investing some time and effort now will pay off when the warmer weather returns next year and your garden furniture looks good as new.”
