As the cold weather begins to set in, it is essential to understand the damage winter can do to your home and think about different ways you can prevent it. The extreme freeze can result in huge expenditures for repairs and replacement. It is not only about the frozen pipes that can cause damage in winters, there are many other aspects you need to keep in mind. Here are a few precautions you should take in order to ensure that the home is in top condition as the weather gets colder.

 

     1.     Roof insulation

 

You need to keep the roof well-insulated in the months of winter. A quarter of heat is lost through the roof if the home is uninsulated. It is ideal to get loft insulation to keep more heat in the house and to reduce the energy bill.

 

     2.     Invest in a carbon monoxide alarm

 

Appliances like fires, heaters, boilers, and cookers that have been poorly installed or not well maintained can cause carbon monoxide leaks. It will not only cause damage to the house but will also lead to high expenditure in repairs and replacement. The alarm does not cost much and you can buy it from supermarkets. Additionally, always ensure that the appliances are regularly serviced by registered engineers. Schedule preventive maintenance with the professionals.

 

     3.     Hot water pipes

 

If there is a burst hot water pipe, it will be a disaster and will put you back by a few thousand dollars. Winter months are when you are highest at risk. You need to insulate the hot water pipes by using lagging which is a convenient and inexpensive way of saving yourself from a burst pipe.

 

     4.     Invest in a smart meter

 

If you want to know more about your heating, you need to invest in a smart meter. It will give insights into how much it is costing you to heat the home. The meter shows detailed information about the energy you are consuming in real-time and the gas and electricity that you are using in dollars. It will encourage you to use electricity or gas more sparingly in the home and you will be able to work out which devices consume the most energy. This will save energy and money.

 

     5.     Clean up the gutters

 

You need to remember that the gutter is meant for only one thing, and that is getting rainwater off the roof and down the drain. Now, if the gutter is blocked, it will not do this. If you notice any discoloration on the walls, you will be able to identify that there is an issue with the gutter. The blockages can become frequent in winters due to fallen leaves, twigs, and moss. It can cause damp and mould, which is why it is important to make sure that the rainfall can be effectively drained from the home. Clean up the gutters before the cold sets in.

 

     6.     Check the boiler

 

You need to check that your boiler is in a good condition and works efficiently. Looking after the boiler is essential, especially in the months of winter. If you need to replace the boiler, it will put you back by a few thousand dollars. The older the boiler, the more inefficient it will be. It happens because the boiler loses pressure with time. You need to check the pressure gauge on the boiler and adjust the pressure when necessary. If there are additional problems, speak to the plumber or ask a professional to repair the boiler.

 

     7.     Pick heavy curtains

 

More than 40% of the heat escapes from your home through uncovered windows. It can be easily stopped by using heavy blackout curtains to properly insulate the windows. This will limit where hot air can get out and will also block the breeze from getting in.

 

     8.     Check the chimney

 

It is important to take the right steps to ensure that heat does not escape through the chimney. An unused fireplace can be a huge cause of lost heat. If you already have a chimney that you do not use, you can use a chimney balloon. It is an inexpensive way of looking after the chimney. It can keep the cold air out and is fire resistant.

 

Keep these eight tips in mind to get your home ready for winter. You do not want high energy bills nor do you want to lose out on the heat in the freezing months. Hence, these efficient and effective ways will help keep the heat inside the home and will ensure that your place is warm and cozy at all times. Carefully work into every aspect of the home and ensure that there are no leaks or no airways through which you can lose the heat.

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    Homesgofast com

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