The colder weather is slowly creeping in, and while we’re still enjoying the changing colors and falling leaves of Autumn, it’s only a matter of time before the air is crisp and we’re stepping out of our front door head-to-toe in layers and woolly clothes. While it’s easy to get ourselves ready for the colder months of the year and to make plans so that those chilly, bitter days are filled with fun and joy, the same can’t be said for our homes.
Winter home maintenance starts in the Autumn and making a start now is the best way to ensure your property stays warm, dry and protected from the elements. The more you do now the less money you’ll have to spend next year, rectifying everything you neglected! To give you some guidance let’s take a look at how you can get your home ready for the cold season with these 4 home maintenance checks.
Your air conditioning unit
How did your air conditioning unit fare this summer? Did you notice any issues? When was the last time you had it maintained or even cleaned? To keep your air conditioning unit in good working order and to take care of any repairs you’re going to need a 24 hour AC repair service. Having your aircon unit looked at over the colder months seems ridiculous, but if you choose to invest time and money into your unit now, then you’ll get peace of mind that your air con will be ready to go when summer comes around again. You also won’t have to wait for parts or face lengthy waiting times in the hotter months, when everyone needs AC assistance!
Make your home secure
Burglaries and break-ins are more likely to occur at night. And because winter nights are much darker and there’s less daylight, it makes burglaries and crime more likely. Take some steps now to improve your home’s security. Install motion sensor lights, trim back all the overgrown shrubs, bushes and other hiding places around your home, make sure all your doors and windows lock securely and invest in outdoor lighting.
Check your drainpipes and gutters
Heavy rain, wind and snow are on the way (depending on where you live), and a crack or break in your pipes and gutters could spell disaster for the exterior of your property. When brickwork and plaster are constantly exposed to running water over a period of time, the damage to your property’s structure can cost thousands. Check all your pipes and drains and replace them where necessary. Don’t forget to clean them too!
And finally, check your heating system
If you haven’t put your heating on yet or turned up the thermostat, how can you be sure that it’ll work when you need it? The last thing you want is to wake up on a chilly morning and find you have no hot water and no heating! Your heating system must be adequate and in good working order, so test it right now and ensure all radiators are sufficiently heated and your hot water is getting to the right temperature! If there are any issues, call in an engineer as soon as possible.
