Brits warned of four things to check at home before winter arrives to stay safe

04 November 2023 , 17:32

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The roof, pipes, windows, doors and heating system should all be given the once over. File image (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits have been warned of the importance of four simple checks in the house as winter approaches bringing increasingly extreme conditions.

The roof, pipes, windows, doors and heating system should all be given the once over before it turns too cold. By making four simple checks Brits can save themselves headaches and bills down the line.

Last December there were 136,000 searches for "draft excluder" - a 267% increase on average monthly searches. There is no easier way to save money on your heating bills than by ensuring any window and door draughts are blocked out.

Getting your property ready for winter may seem like a daunting task but by following this checklist, you can avoid any expensive emergency repairs during the winter and ensure your home stays safe, warm and comfortable. Experts at Yell give tips on winter maintenance you won’t want to forget.

Check your roof

Searches for “roof leak” peak in November. If regular checks aren’t done in a timely manner, your roof can receive anything from minor to extensive damage during the winter.

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Heavy rain, strong winds, and snowfall which can all hit your roof and your wallets if it has not been properly maintained and prepared for winter. Safely find a good viewpoint where you can check out your roof to see if any damage has occurred, check for:

Missing tiles
Blocked gutters
Holes
Debris build-up

Missing tiles can result in water damage or leaks which can be a costly repair, whilst debris build-up and blocked gutters can put extra weight on your roof, as well as increase the risk of damage from high winds, rain or heavy snowfall.

If you are unsure or would like a professional opinion on how well your roof is prepared for the winter, calling a professional roofing service is the best choice.

Check your pipes to avoid freezing

Last December there were over 56,519 searches for “thaw frozen pipes” and 5,519 searches for “how to unfreeze pipes”. While Google may seem like a quick fix, experts at Yell warn that at-home thawing of pipes can cause them to burst and you should always consult a professional. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to ensure this doesn't happen:

Ensure all pipes in your roof space or loft and areas vulnerable to the cold are insulated and your boiler is serviced. Add some insulation to your pipes and faucets or call a professional plumber in to do this for you.
If you are heading away for the winter or you are debating not turning your heating on much this year, ensure your heating is not turned off completely but instead remains low.
Either ensure your thermostat is set to a minimum of 18 degrees or have your heating timed to come on regularly throughout the winter to ensure the pipes are kept warm and are not at risk of freezing.

Block out window and door draughts

Draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you around £45 a year. If you have an open chimney, draught-proofing your chimney when you’re not using it could save around £65 a year. Key benefits include:

Uses less energy to heat your home
Helps reduce condensation and damp
Saves money on energy bills
Makes your home warm and cosy

Draft proofing your home will vary depending on what level of proofing you need - older properties will require more draft proofing measures - but much of it can be done by the homeowners themselves. By adding the metal brushed window and draught excluders to your frames, you will be able to keep out the cold and reduce the amount of hot air that is being lost. These can be fitted to both exterior and interior doors.

As well as doors and windows, keyholes and letterboxes are also big conductors of drafts so make sure to get these blocked too. If you are not comfortable fitting these yourself, hiring a handyman service is quick and simple.

Check your heating system

December always sees a spike in searches for “boiler not working” as neglected boilers are switched on in the cold weather, only to find they’ve stopped working. It’s a good idea to have your furnace or boiler system checked annually by a professional, but additional checks are advised when exceptionally cold weather or storms are imminent. If you have a boiler, you should carry out some easy monthly checks in addition to the annual review:

Check your water pressure once a month
Bleed your radiators twice a year
Check radiator valves are open and working properly before winter comes
Checking for any leaks in the venting system
Check if any wiring looks questionable or damaged
If your heating system is a heat pump, make sure your outdoor unit is free from any leaves or snow. There should be no greenery crowding the unit at any one time.

Technicians will also do annual checks on heat pump systems, but monthly checks and maintenance are encouraged before the winter months.

If you are unsure as to whether your heating system will withstand the coldest temperatures of the UK winter, calling a professional plumber is the best and easiest choice.