As winter approaches, it brings with it colder weather, which often includes wind, sleet, and snow. There are a few things that you, as a homeowner, can do to prepare your home for the pending freeze. In today’s article, we’re going to look at five such chores, although there are many more.
Spruce Up the Space
We often hear of families spring cleaning their homes, but an annual autumn clean up of both the interior and exterior parts of your home is not a bad idea either. Decluttering your home and tidying up the garden brings a sense of order and renewal, adding to the joy of the upcoming holiday season.
Check the Heating
Whether you have a radiator or thermostat-controlled heating in your home, it is advisable to check your heating supply. The same principle applies if you have a chimney or boiler. Having heating supply equipment checked during autumn means that any costly repairs can be dealt with before the cold truly sets in. While some of these tasks can be done by enthusiastic DIY’ers, it’s often best to have a professional do the job for you.
Seal Cracks
One of the easiest ways to make your home warmer is to seal any cracks that may be allowing a seasonal chill into your home. If your home is one that has wooden frames around the windows, it’s best to check them for possible draughts. The chimney edges, door jambs, letterboxes, and even keyholes can allow an icy wind into your home. If your house has an attic, also check that its door seals properly, and isn’t contributing to a draught. There are various products available to seal cracks effectively without breaking the bank. These include mastic, expansion foam, and special balloons for the chimney when you’re not using it.
Don’t Forget the Garden
Many families don’t utilise their garden during the winter, although it can be an amazing space to be in, despite the cold weather. For those of you who don’t tend your green space during the frostier season, we recommend servicing your lawnmower and edge cutter, and also sharpening and lubricating your tools in order to preserve their lifespan. If you don’t have weatherproof garden furniture, keep the items in a safe, dry place until it is time to use them again. Log cabins are excellent for this purpose as they come in all shapes and sizes and the items don’t clutter space within your home.
Collect Rainwater
With rainfall changing every year, and often becoming less every twelve months, we recommend collecting and storing rainwater to use during the dry summer months. Installing a catchment tank is an investment and will increase the value of your home should you one day think about selling. The water can be filtered through boiling which will make it safe for cooking or drinking. Alternatively, you may prefer to use your rainwater simply to water your garden, which will save money on your utility bill.
We hope that our ideas have spurred you into preparing your home for winter. Stay warm!
