Winter is fast approaching, and the colder temperatures can bring a few potential issues for homeowners.
Therefore, it is vital for homeowners to know how they can prepare their property for the colder months of the year and create a safe, warm, and comfortable space.
Keep reading to find out more!
Inspect & Maintain Heating Systems
A smart place to start is with your heating systems. It is a good idea to get your furnace or heating system serviced before the temperature plummets to ensure it is in good condition heading into winter.
You may need to replace filters and get boiler spares ordered, so the earlier you do this, the better.
Fireplace & Chimney Safety
Having a fireplace can be a real luxury during the colder months of the year. There are few things other than warming up by the fire after returning home, but fireplaces and chimneys pose significant risks.
Therefore, you should clean the chimney to ensure proper ventilation and inspect the fireplace for signs of cracks or damage that could make it unsafe to use.
You should also use a fire screen for protection and make sure that firewood is stored at a safe distance from the fire.
Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Following this, you must also check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Winter can be a dangerous time in terms of house fires and carbon monoxide exposure, so all alarms should be checked and batteries replaced if required.
Prevent Slips & Falls
You should also consider the area surrounding your home and ensure that it is safe to walk when snow and ice start to develop.
This should involve regularly shovelling and clearing pathways, driveways, and any steps you have.
You can also improve traction with the use of sand or salt, which will make it much easier to walk on slippery surfaces and prevent the likelihood of an accident.
Winterise Your Plumbing
Drops in temperature can also cause damage to your plumbing, including frozen and burst pipes that can result in water damage.
To winterise your plumbing, you should insulate your pipes (particularly those in unheated areas) and disconnect and cover outdoor faucets.
Additionally, make sure that you know where the main water shutoff is in your home in case a pipe bursts.
Make Your Home Safe this Winter
The information in this post should be informative and help you take proactive steps to keep your home safe this winter.
There is a lot to like about the winter months, particularly hunkering down at home, but there are also a number of serious risks and hazards at this time of the year that all homeowners need to be aware of.
When you know what these risks are and how to mitigate them, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe.
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