Get your home winter ready
There are some simple things you can do to prepare your home for winter before the cold weather kicks in. Here are seven tips to get you started.
1. Check your heating
Turn your heating on sooner rather than later to make sure it’s working properly. Run your heating for 20-30 minutes and check the radiators are warming up as you’d expect. If they’re not heating up, or they’re cold at the top but warm at the bottom, contact us.
2. Draft-proof doors and windows
Check all your external doors and windows for any drafts. If you can feel cold air coming through, consider buying or making a draught excluder. You can get draught excluder tape from discount stores for a few pounds. If it feels like a lot of cold air is coming in, let us know.
3. Get your chimney swept
If you have a chimney, it should be swept at least once a year. Make sure you clean the tray above the fire every month for ventilation.
4. Test your home safety devices
It’s good practice to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month, but autumn is when we start turning on the heating and have fewer windows open. Report it to us immediately if they don’t work.
5. Check outside lights are working
Test your outside lights ahead of the dark evenings. If any streetlights or outdoor lights aren’t working, check who’s responsible by giving us a call because sometimes the lights are the local authorities’ responsibility.
6. Let us in for your safety checks
We carry out annual gas safety checks to your home. If your appointment is due, make sure you’re in for it. These checks are a legal requirement and are important for your safety and the safety of others.
7. Reduce damp, mould, and condensation
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture which can occur at any time of the year, but as the weather turns colder, condensation and mould can form more easily. If you have signs of damp or lots of mould in your home, contact us immediately so we can help you resolve or manage the problem. You can also find out how to reduce condensation in your home with our helpful guide.
Need extra help?
If you’re struggling to pay your heating bills, you can’t afford some of the items we’ve mentioned here, or you just can’t do these things yourself, please contact us to talk about how we can help.
If you’re looking for a warm, friendly space this winter, drop into our Parkside Community Hub on Melbourne Avenue in Chelmsford for a hot drink and a chat.