Top tips for keeping your home warm this winter
It may still be October – but homeowners are being encouraged to think about preparing for winter to avoid any nasty cold snap surprises.
Advice has been issued by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) – supported by member agent Harrison Murray – offering simple solutions that could save money and have a positive impact on a sale.
Harrison Murray managing director Nick Salmon said: “The NAEA has issued some sound advice encouraging people to think about winter-proofing their home in plenty of time before the arrival of cold and wet weather.
“Similar advice could also be taken on board by owners who have an empty property for sale, to avoid unnecessary misery and expense when winter sets in.”
Here’s how to winter-safe your home so that potential buyers see it at it’s best, whatever the weather:
Cavity-wall insulation can reap instant benefits of a warmer home and reduced energy bills. Check your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition. A depth of 11 inches is recommended. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double-glazing can all help protect your home and save money on heating bills. You may be eligible for a grant to help with this work.
Draught-stripping. Installing specialist strips of foam around windows and doors will significantly reduce draughts, again making your home warmer and an average of £20 a year cheaper to heat.
Pipes - Icy weather can freeze pipes causing them to burst and flood your home when they thaw. Make sure you know where the stopcock is so that you can turn the water off if necessary. Investigate any new damp patches immediately.
Heating - If you go away or your property is empty, leave the heating on low as this will help prevent your pipes from freezing. Also a warm home makes it more appealing to a potential buyer.
Service your boiler – Try and get your boiler serviced professionally each year.
Bleed your radiators - Bleeding your radiators gets rid of any air inside which may lead to increased bills if the radiators aren’t working efficiently.
Roof - Homeowners with a tile or slate roof need to check that there are no loose tiles or slates. When the wind is strong, a loose tile can easily be displaced and that will let in the damp. You should repair or replace any broken or missing tiles immediately.
Gutters – Autumn leaves may block gutters, the weight of which could crack or even displace the gutter. Also check that satellite dishes and TV aerials are securely fixed.
Damp - If you notice damp, you need to dry out the affected area or use a de-humidifier to help stop condensation. If there is a lot of condensation in your house, it can harm paintwork and cause black mould spots.
Chimney – If you have one, make sure your chimney is swept by a certified chimney sweep. This is important as a blockage, such as a bird's nest, could be a fire hazard.
Drains – Blocked drains should be cleared as soon as possible to ensure that water can flow easily. The result can be extremely unpleasant if you ignore it.
Nick added: “Some simple but effective maintenance will not only protect your home, but could save you money and make the difference between a buyer making an offer or walking away.”