How to winter-proof your home and save money

Protect your home from freezing temperatures and save money at the same time. Who said winter had to be expensive?

Let’s start from the bottom.

Clear gutters and drains

It’s not the most glamorous job, but one that is vital to make sure rainwater is leaving your home.

Whether you have cast iron, plastic, or pressed steel gutters, they need to be cleaned annually to keep them performing properly.

Clearing your gutters and drains of sticks and leaves not only prevents costly structural damage, but could also lessen the risk of certain health issues for you and your family.

Wrap your pipes

If water pipes freeze they can burst. This happens most commonly in the coldest parts of your home, like in your garage. Foam tubes (lagging) is cheap to buy and will prevent the worst from happening.

Make sure you know where the stopcock is (the off switch) and check that it’s easy to turn, so you can switch off the water if you need to.

If you’re having trouble, a local plumber will be able to check that your water pipes are in good working order for winter.

Service your boiler

Make sure your boiler is there for you when you need it most by having it serviced regularly. If your boiler is working to full efficiency, then it will also be at its most cost efficient to run.

Find a local central heating specialist to carry out a routine service. The money you save will quickly cover the cost of the service and give you peace of mind that you’re set for winter!

Treat your radiators

If your radiators are hot at the bottom and cold at the top, you need to bleed them.

Switch the heating off and get a cloth and a radiator key. Turn the valve at the top of your radiator anti-clockwise until you hear a hiss (this is just air). Tighten it back up when water starts flowing.

While you’re at it, line the wall behind your radiators with tin foil to reflect precious heat back into the room! You’ll be amazed at how effective this solution is!

Open your curtains

Let the light in through your windows on sunny days and you will be able to heat up your home for less.

Equally, as the sun goes down, close your curtains to help trap that precious heat in. Thermal curtain lining is one of the cheapest ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Check for draughts

Sealing draughts is a quick and simple way to stay warm and save money. Check the edges of your window frames, the gaps under your doors, and under your letterbox.

Draught excluders are cheap to buy, and could save you a lot of money during cold winter months.

Be energy smart

The government wants energy suppliers to install smart meters in every home in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Smart energy meters give you control over the energy you use. They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, as you use it.

Look after yourself

Contact your energy supplier to find out how to get hold of yours and start saving.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm to detect any leaks from your gas appliances. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is odourless, tasteless, and colourless.

It’s a simple DIY task, with most only requiring a couple of screws to fit. Some are free standing and require no installation at all.

For peace of mind, a local gas fitter will be more than happy to give your appliances a once over.

So there you have it, follow these simple steps to winter-proof your home and start saving money today.