Preparing your Home for Winter

It may be mid September but there has been a distinct chill in the early morning air and dusk arrives earlier with every passing day. There may yet be some lovely days to come but it is not too early to start the process of preparing for the coming winter.

So here are some pointers to preparing for the winter season. Some of the items below should be actioned as soon as possible whilst others will not be necessary until later in October or early November.

1. Check Your Heating System

• Service the boiler – Arrange a professional service before the cold sets in to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. This should be done as soon as possible.

• Bleed radiators and balance the system– Remove trapped air to improve heating performance. This requires running the boiler and checking each radiator for trapped air. At the same time the system should be balanced to ensure all radiators have a similar output. Details on how to do this can be found online.

• Smart thermostats – Consider installing a smart thermostat to better manage heating schedules and reduce bills.

• Open fires and wood burning stoves - If you burn wood order kiln dried logs as soon as possible. Store in a dry place raised off the ground and allowing for air circulation around the stack.

2. Insulate and Draught-Proof

• Loft insulation – Up to 25% of heat can escape through the roof. Topping up loft insulation makes a huge difference.

• Pipe insulation – Lagging pipes helps prevent freezing and reduces heat loss.

• Seal draughts – Fit draught excluders around doors, windows, and letterboxes. Simple fixes like self-adhesive strips can keep the cold out.

3. Protect Against Frozen Pipes

• Keep a minimum temperature – Even if you’re away, maintain at least 12–15°C to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Locate your stopcock – Make sure you know where it is and that it works, in case of an emergency leak.

• Keep a minimum temperature in the attic - If your cold water storage tank is in a cold attic ensure that the pipes to and from the tank are lagged and in very cold weather use a heater to lift the temperature to above freezing.

4. Roof and Gutter Maintenance

• Clear gutters and downpipes – Remove leaves and debris to prevent blockages that cause water damage.

• Check roof tiles – Look for loose or damaged tiles that could let in rain or snow.

• Inspect chimney stacks – If you use a fireplace, ensure chimneys are swept and safe.

5. Windows and Doors

• Double glazing – If you don’t have it already, consider upgrading.

• Curtains and blinds – Thermal or lined curtains add an extra layer of insulation.

• Trickle vents – Keep them clear to balance ventilation with energy efficiency.

• Doors - Oil locks and hinges so that operate smoothly throughout the season.

6. Safety Precautions

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – Test batteries regularly, especially if you use gas or solid-fuel heating.

• Grit and salt supplies – Keep some handy for icy paths and driveways.

• Emergency kit – Torches, blankets, and batteries can be invaluable in case of power cuts.

• Candles - Have a supply of candles in case of blackouts during bad weather.

7. Garden and Outdoors

• Protect outdoor taps – Use tap covers to stop them freezing.

• Rake up leaves - Leaves become slippery when wet.

• Secure fences and sheds – Winter storms can cause damage if structures aren’t secure.

• Store away garden furniture – Wash down garden furniture preparatory to storing over winter. Teak furniture will withstand remaining outdoors throughout the winter providing snow is removed regularly.

• Terracotta pots - Frost can damage terracotta pots. To help prevent damage move pots to a sheltered part of the garden. Wrapping in fleece will help as will lifting the pots off the ground onto timber supports to create an air gap beneath the pot.

• Pressure wash terraces - Brickwork and paving can become dangerously slippery during the autumn. Pressure wash, or treat with chemical cleaner, pathways that are regularly used.

8. Energy Efficiency Tips

• Use heating wisely – Heat the rooms you use most and lower temperatures slightly in unused spaces.

• Timers and zones – Efficient scheduling avoids waste.

• Government schemes – Check if you qualify for energy efficiency grants or support (such as the ECO scheme or winter fuel payments).

Final Thoughts

Preparing your house for winter in the Britain doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. A weekend of checks and maintenance can protect your home, lower energy bills, and keep you warm and safe through the cold months. Think of it as an investment in comfort and peace of mind.