It’s that time again to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. From cleaning gutters to sealing your front door for winter draught prevention, this article will guide you through your autumn home maintenance checklist, ensuring your home stays safe, cosy and energy-efficient throughout autumn and well into the winter months.
Why is it Important to do Autumn Home Maintenance?
As darkness draws in and temperatures drop, neglecting to maintain your home’s interior and exterior can become detrimental when the colder, wetter weather hammers down on your property’s exterior. It could leave you with frozen pipes or a leaky roof.
Protecting your home in the autumn can help prevent draughts, energy loss and potential hazards like water damage or fire risks. By taking these steps, you ensure that your home remains warm and keeps outdoor issues from affecting indoor comfort, creating a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Internal To-Dos in Autumn to Prepare for Winter:
Inspect Your Heating System
Inspecting your heating system before winter arrives can ensure your home stays warm during minus conditions without the risk of a breakdown. It’s worth turning on your radiators to remove dust buildup and ensure they function accordingly. Bleed them if necessary to provide efficient heating. If you identify any issues, you may want to schedule a professional inspection to resolve the potential problems early.
Check Your Insulation
A well-insulated home helps keep it warm and cosy and can also reduce energy costs. Insulation is usually installed in the walls, floor and attic. While the walls and floors can be harder to access, check the attic for compressed or damaged insulation. It’s worth contacting a professional to conduct an insulation audit, especially if your energy bills are soaring. Another area to check is the insulation of your doors and windows.
Check Your Door and Windows for Draughts
Window and door frames are notorious for letting in draughts caused by peeling sealant, loose hinges, and cracks. A simple yet effective method to check if cold air is coming through your front door or window frames is to hold a lit candle near them. If the flame flickers, it’s a sign of a draught. For a quick fix, apply weather stripping to seal any visible gaps.
One area that often gets forgotten is the letterbox. As an obvious potential leak, addressing this could make a big difference. However, if your front door and windows are outdated or showing signs of wear, consider upgrading them for long-term energy efficiency and savings. This is especially true if your glass is single-glazing. A reputable company will help you find out more about replacing doors and windows.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
With colder months approaching, you may rely more on heating appliances like boilers, fireplaces, and log burners. This increases the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, so you must prioritise checking your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
External To-Dos in Autumn to Prep for Winter:
Clean Out Your Gutters
Leaves during autumn, along with other natural debris, can clog your gutters, causing water to overflow. This can damage your roof, sidings and even your home’s foundations. Removing leaves and debris before winter ensures proper drainage when rain and snowfall are probable, ultimately preventing future problems. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning your gutters, contact a professional service to help you do the job safely. You may also wish to give your windows a final summer clean.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof bears the brunt of harsh weather, so identifying and fixing any issues now will prevent more significant problems from occurring when snow or heavy rain arrives. Check for missing or damaged shingles and tiles, cracks or any signs of wear that may lead to leaks. Pay close attention to areas around vents and chimneys, as these spots are more susceptible to damage. If you’re not comfortable with heights or are unsure about the condition of your roof, consider hiring a professional for a thorough inspection.
Vamp up your Kerb Appeal with Autumn Décor
To enhance your kerb appeal, make autumn home maintenance part of a tradition that involves hanging autumn decorations on your front door, like an auburn and terracotta wreath. To achieve this effect, you could start with a grapevine base and decorate it with vibrant orange and red maple leaves, flux marigolds and pinecones. You could add natural elements like dried wheat stalks or eucalyptus for texture and tie a plaid ribbon to give it a rustic feel. Consider adding berries or sunflowers to include a pop of colour.
Add winter squash of different colours and shapes on either side of your entrance to further embrace the autumnal spirit. You could even place LED lanterns along the edge of your pathway to set the mood and provide additional visibility as the nights get darker.
