Bonjour lecteurs! Winter might not be my favourite season of the year, but there are a few key things we do each time to prepare for it. You might be busy, getting ready for the festive period, trying not to forget anything. But don’t overlook your home in December. You need to prepare your house for the colder season. Not sure what to do? I made a short list of what to check around the house before winter hits.
Check Your Heating System
We often do a service of the boiler at the end of the summer. This way, we know for sure that the heating equipment is ready to work to its full potential upon the falling of the temperature level. There is nothing worse than not having any heating or hot water in winter.
Plus, you can encounter so many problèmes, especially if you have an older heating system. Par exemple, dust-clogged filters could lead to excessive wear and tear of the system. To make sure you get the right ventilation, it might be worth installing new filters to improve the temperature in your rooms.
C’est une bonne idée to check the batteries in the thermostats as well. You might not have changed them for a while, and you don’t want a bad surprise on a freezing day.
Drafts & Entry Points
Do you live in an older home? Then, check doors and windows to make sure there is no gap. A hand held close to the edges often uncovers cool air slipping through. It might not be a big issue to fix, but it’s better done before it starts raining really badly. I would also check the roof, just in case. You don’t want to wake up to a leak that could further damage your propriété.
When you do your little review, glance through your recent property report. You can find out all the small maintenance that need to be attended to in the colder season.
Protect Pipes & Water Systems
Depending on where you live, it’s also worth investigating into better insulation. Lift the carpets under the sink, do some light dusting and check for general insulation.
Remove the garden hose and store it away for the winter to prevent it from freezing.
If you’ve had issues with freezing pipes in the past, insulating the specific zones can hugely help. It’s also recommended to home warm (above 10-12.8°C). You can also open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes, and let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving, especially during extreme cold.
The last thing you wish for is to have some problèmes sérieux that lead to disaster recovery. You can even pay for a professional to check all your pipes if you want to start winter with a clear mind.
Roof & Gutters
Do you regularly clean your gutter? Apparently, we should do it once a year. It’s worth conducting it before the cold season starts. Debris, heavy snow and ice can really slow the roofing system and cause further damage.
And as I previously mentioned, I would also do a quick check of the roof. No need to hire a professional. Just go to your attic and do a spot check of any holes. You don’t want your space to get flooded, as it could damage other rooms in your home.
Tidy Outdoor Spaces
Get your garden ready for winter. C’est très simple too.
Start by putting away all your garden furniture so that it does not get rotten.
I would also pack away any toys and seasonal stuff. Prune your plants to get them ready for sprig, swipe any leaves from autumns et voilà!
Create a Cosy Space
You have covered it all and you are now ready to enjoy a cosy winter in your home. To make it even more welcoming, add some petites touches.
Add a blanket on the sofa, light a few candles to create a cosy atmosphere. And don’t forget to add a good hot chocolate with a family movie. There is nothing more relaxing on a cold and miserable day.
Winter might be a bit gloom at times, but it’s also l’excuse parfaite to make some beautiful memories together as a family.
What’s your favourite thing about winter? I am dreaming of a cosy winter home à la Hever Castle…
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