Unfortunately for us Brits, the little bit of Summer we do actually get is now slowly coming to an end. As the nights start to get darker and mornings colder, that trip from the shower to the bedroom is ever becoming more and more daunting.
This being said, Winter should be a time to enjoy, and you should be looking to embrace all of the best aspects of it in your home. It may sound strange, but if you do the right preparation in your home, Winter can actually be more enjoyable and comforting than the heat of Summer.
Just in case you don’t know how best to get your house ready for the Winter, below we have listed 5 easy things you can do:
1: Clear out the gutters and drains
Clearing out gutters and drains may not seem like the most appealing or enjoyable task to do in the house, but it is one of the most essential. Leaving natural debris such as leaves and mud inside piping and drains can lead to water build up, especially in winter, which is pretty much constant rain. Make sure all pipelines, gutters and drains are fully cleared out to prevent any kind of water damage this Winter.
2: Get insulation
Throughout the hotter months, insulation may have never crossed your mind due to the sun beaming through the big windows and making it feel like a sauna. However, now that the days are getting colder proper insulation can help. Not only does this warm the house up and help prevent freezing pipes, but also saves you around £120 per year on your energy bill.
3: Check security
Review your security, CCTV, Security lighting, locks, and perimeter detection. The first step is to deter the intruder and convince them that attempting to break-in is simply not worth their time. A combination of visual and physical deterrents can work together effectively to warn off criminals. Visual deterrents, such as the presence of an external alarm sounder, CCTV cameras and security lighting, immediately show that the property is protected. The intruder knows breaking-in would raise the alarm and risk notifying neighbouring residents and the Police. CCTV ensures their movements are captured on camera, whilst good lighting increases the chance of being seen.
4: Double check your windows and doors
Nobody likes a cold breeze, and even more so in the Winter. People often come to the conclusion that a window must be open when feeling a through draft in the house, however, these drafts could well be coming from small cracks left in window skirting boards, or even the gaps between the door and its frame. Before Winter is here, just test all of your windows and doors to double check no cold air can get in.
5: Install Water Leak Detection
Consider installation of a water leak detection system, it monitors the water flow and pressure automatically isolating the supply outside set limitations, based on normal water usage, the system responds when there is unexpected flow duration or excessive flow rate – these are symptomatic of an escape of water. Some water leak detection systems can also be linked to the fire and intruder alarm, complementing the risk prevention and protection you may have in operation at your home.
If you would like any more information about home insurance for your clients, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
