Expert shares 10 essential jobs to prepare your home for winter

As the winter season approaches, the brisk drop in temperature reminds us of the need to ready our homes for the first frost.

Experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk have compiled a comprehensive list of recommendations for ensuring your home is well-prepared to face the challenges of the chilly months ahead.

The first step is to consider investing in loft insulation, which not only retains more heat within your home but also helps reduce energy costs.

If there already is insulation in place, it’s wise to verify that it meets the recommended depth of 250mm to 270mm before winter’s harsh conditions set in.

Well-installed insulation can last up to 40 years, and although the initial cost is typically around £285 – £425, it can ultimately pay for itself through energy savings.

Read more: Common winter symptom could actually be a sign of deadly cancer, GP warns

Winter poses the greatest risk of burst water pipes, the most susceptible to freezing and bursting of which are often those left uninsulated in colder areas of the house.

Insulating pipes with inexpensive insulating tubes, readily available in most DIY shops, can help prevent freezing, heat loss, and the subsequent pipe damage.

Gutters play a critical role in directing rainwater away from your roof and into drainage systems.

If they become clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, their effectiveness is compromised, and so neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to dampness, mould, and even insurance concerns.

Recognising issues with gutters, such as rainwater running down the sides of your house or discolouration on your property walls, is an indication that they require attention.

A smart meter proves to be a valuable addition before the onset of winter as they eliminate the need for manual meter readings and provide real-time information on energy consumption.

With this insight, homeowners can identify areas where energy is being used most efficiently and make adjustments accordingly.

Regularly bleeding radiators ensures that the heating system remains effective, as air can infiltrate the heating system, preventing radiators from filling with water adequately.

However, one straightforward task can help prevent this from happening.

Using a bleed key, turn the bleed valve on your radiator anticlockwise to release trapped air. Once water begins to drip out, close the valve.