Top Tips for your property in the colder months
As the temperatures begin to drop and Winter approaches, it's essential to make sure your home is ready to withstand the colder months ahead. Proper preparation can help you stay warm and comfortable while also saving on energy costs.
To assist you in getting your home winter-ready, here at Andrews Property Group, we've put together some important advice and tips:
Check Heating System: Before the cold weather sets in, ensure that your heating system is in good working order by turning it on early just to check all is well. Check radiators are fully heating up from top to bottom. If you notice any issues with heating or hot water, please report them to our maintenance team promptly so that we can resolve it for you now, before it gets really chilly.
Seal Drafts: Inspect doors and windows for drafts and let us know if you find any. This simple step can significantly reduce heat loss and save on heating bills.
Insulate Pipes: Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them in unheated areas of your home, such as the basement or attic. This will help avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Safety First: Press your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to test them to ensure they are functioning correctly. Under your Tenancy Agreement it is a Tenant responsibility to test and install fresh batteries if needed.
Free and clear gutters: It’s really important your gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent ice dams from forming or leaks. Clogged gutters can lead to significant water damage, so if you spot any issues, please report to your Property Manager as soon as possible.
Energy Efficiency: Consider using draft stoppers for doors, using curtains to insulate windows, and setting your thermostat to a lower but comfortable temperature when you're home to save on heating costs. However, it’s very important you remember to ventilate your home to stop condensation from occurring. Keep a low heat on and air flow moving throughout the property. Should you spot any mould spores appearing (especially in high risk areas such as kitchens or bathrooms) make sure to clean these off quickly with a weak bleach or specialist mould solution.
Communication: If you plan to be away for an extended period during the winter, please inform our Property Management team so we can take necessary precautions.
Lastly condensate pipes: in really cold weather, this exterior pipe can freeze and cause some big issues for you. Here’s a helpful video to show you how to defrost this pipe should this happen.
Remember, a well-prepared home can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety throughout the winter season.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these tasks, please don't hesitate to reach out to our expert property management team. We are here to help you have warm and worry-free autumn and winter months in your home.
