The British summer time seems to be over, and the colder days are on their way, which is why the autumn months are the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for winter. By taking the time to complete some simple steps, you can help to make sure that your energy bills don’t skyrocket this winter, and that you stay warm and cosy too.
#1 – Get your boiler serviced
Now we aren’t just putting this at the number one spot because that is one of the services we offer. It’s there because if your boiler does break right when you need it, no other ‘winter home’ tricks will keep your house warm.
We recommend getting your boiler serviced annually, and the transition period between summer and autumn is the perfect time to do so. By getting your boiler serviced, you can ensure that it is in full working order before winter hits, which reduces the likelihood of finding yourself in an emergency situation. As well as this, a neglected boiler will see a shortened life expectancy and is likely to end up costing you more money in the long run. An efficient boiler, on the other hand, will keep your costs to a minimum and keep the manufacturer’s warranty.
#2 – Have a powerflush
When you get your boiler serviced, your heating engineer will carry out a test on the water in the heating system. As a result of this test, they may advise you to have a central heating system power flush if they notice any problems. A power flush removes any debris and byproducts such as rust and sludge, to ensure that your central heating system is working properly.
#3 – Bleed your radiators
If you’re going to the effort of getting your boiler checked, you should probably bleed your radiators while you’re at it. Radiators need bleeding when there is air trapped in them. Trapped air means that the central heating system isn’t working efficiently, and it can take a longer time to warm the room, which can cost additional money – which is not ideal!
Bleeding your radiators is easy, and will ensure that your heating is working quickly, efficiently and cost effectively.
#4 – Look into draught-proofing
Draught-proofing is when you seal up tiny gaps in your home to prevent cold air from entering, and hot air from escaping. Draught-proofing can be relatively easy to do yourself, using cheap draught excluders for letterboxes and around doors, and can save you energy and money as the months get colder.
Here is a link to Amazon’s draught excluders if you are interested – draught excluders
#5 – Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing
Frozen pipes can cause issues. Big issues. Luckily, it is easy to insulate your pipes to prevent this issue by using cheap sponge covers. You can also stop your pipes freezing by leaving your heating on low at all times.
#6 – Find out where your stop tap is
If your pipes do freeze over, it is a good idea to find your stop tap so that you can turn off the water supply in an emergency.
#7 – Clear out your gutters
When the temperature gets cold, debris in your gutters can freeze and cause damage to your roof. Good drainage also helps to stop seeping damp and large leaks, so before the weather gets too chilly, it is a wise idea to grab a ladder and clear them out.
#8 – Get your roof checked
While you’re cleaning your gutters, it may also be a good idea to hire a professional to make sure your roof is in tip top condition. This will prevent any leaks as the weather gets worse, and will ensure you’re not wasting money on your energy bills by heating the outside of your home, rather than keeping it all inside.
#9 – Install a smart meter
Installing a smart meter will help you to keep an eye on your energy usage as the months get colder, which can help you to prevent your energy bills being higher than you expected. Smart meters are free to install and all energy suppliers are required to offer you one by 2025, so it’s a good idea to get one sooner rather than later.
#10 – Prepare your outside spaces
It’s essential to prepare your outdoor space for the winter season. Make sure your garden is clear and tidy. Secure greenhouses, plant pots, and wheelie bins to stop them from being carried away by strong winds, and stay on top of leaf removal throughout autumn to prevent a buildup of leaves in your garden. Wet, icy leaves can be a serious hazard, so clearing them away before it gets too cold is important to prevent slips and falls.
How GreenSmart can help
At GreenSmart, we offer a range of different services that can help you to prepare your home for winter, such as boiler services, repairs and replacements, power flushes and underfloor heating installation. Contact us today to speak to one of our engineers about your specific requirements, and find out how we can help you.
