5 Essential Home Maintenance Jobs to Do Before Winter


With the official start of winter being a little over a month away, the days are already getting colder and the nights are getting longer. There isn’t too much time left before Christmas will be upon us and we’ll all be running around like mad things (albeit, masked mad things…) trying to get everything ready before the big day. The last thing you need at that manic time of year is something going wrong at home. Now is the perfect time to do maintenance around your house and ensure your festive season kicks off smoothly. Here are 5 things you need to do before winter, for your own peace of mind. 

Check Gutters & Drainage 
With the increased rainfall in winter, it is essential that you clean out your gutters and drains in preparation for the rainy season ahead. Clogged gutters wreak havoc by putting undue stress on your roof. Well maintained gutters and drains reduce the risk of this type of roof damage, saving you money in the long run. 

Clean Dryer Vents 
Cleaning your dryer vents is a simple, yet effective, task to complete before the cold months set in and you’re adding extra mileage onto your machine. Dryers can pose as a serious fire hazard, they are responsible for over 15 000 fires every year just in the United States alone. By simply removing the built-up lint in the vents you can reduce this risk as well as reduce your energy bill. 

Boiler Servicing 
Your boiler requires an annual service to keep it running safely and effectively all year round. Maintaining your boiler regularly will increase its lifespan as well as minimise the breakdown risks. If you haven’t done any maintenance on yours in years, then it is best to contact the professionals who can do a boiler installation for advice and help. A broken boiler during the festive season will be one terrible headache you need to do your best to avoid! 

Bleed Your Radiators 
We spend so much time ensuring our homes look and function just the way we want them to, but we sometimes forget about the inner workings of what keeps us comfortable and warm in the colder months. You need to bleed your radiators every winter to ensure that they run at full capacity during those particularly icy times. Start with the one closest to your boiler and then work your way around the house until they have all been done. 

Seal Leaky Doors & Windows 
The last thing you want when the temperature falls below zero is a leaky door or window. This is especially apparent if you have older windows and doors that need their weatherstripping replaced. Bronze weatherstripping is the most durable and will last decades but it is not easy to install so, if you can, call the professionals to assist. 

By completing these 5, relatively simple, tasks in the next few weeks you could potentially be saving yourself a lot of money and time in the long run and with Christmas only a month and a half away – that should be music to your ears!