Winter is coming

There has been talk of an energy cap that could save households up to £100 a year on their bills, however it’s unlikely to take effect for another year or more, so until then what can you do to help? Winter-proofing your home is a great way to safeguard your house and save yourself money. If you’re also a landlord then the benefits to winter-proofing your property are even greater. Following these simple tips could ensure your investment properties are ready for new tenants to move straight in, and avoid current tenants becoming disgruntled. Keep your home cosy as the cold weather sets in by implementing these simple things in your property.

Don’t let draughts be the reason that your home is cold and costing you money this winter. It may sound simple, but sealing your windows and doors is a quick and easy way to keep warm and save money. You can buy draught excluders online or get creative and make a DIY excluder by upcycling items from around your home. In addition to your windows and doors, your letterbox could also be responsible for letting the cold air in, but this is easily prevented by adding an internal seal, available online for just a few pounds.

Looking after your boiler should be a ‘no-brainer’ whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord. Aside from ensuring your central heating system is running smoothly, it’s also important to check the pressure on your boiler. The gauge should be around one bar, but if you’re unsure or worried ask a Gas Safety engineer to take a look at it.

Although your radiators are designed to give off heat, they’re not very useful if they’re not working correctly. You might notice that they’re colder towards the top, which means that they need bleeding. Don’t be afraid, it’s a relatively simple task that’s worth doing each winter to get the most out of your central heating. First, turn off your heating and get a cloth ready, then use your radiator key to open the valve and let out any air, until water starts to flow.

Do you know how well your loft is insulated? Installing loft insulation can drastically reduce your yearly energy bills, there are several different types of insulation available, some can be installed yourself, others can top up the insulation that you’ve already got. Pop your head up into your loft and see how you could add some layers to keep your house warm and cosy throughout the long winter months.

You might have been putting it off, but it’s now time to clear out your guttering. We all know that Britain receives a lot of rain during the winter months, so it’s important to ensure that your guttering is working correctly, carrying water away from your home preventing damp and other damage.

Have you considered wrapping your pipes to stop them from freezing? Lagging can be used to wrap your pipes in cold areas of your property, and problem areas can be found where pipes run outside or if you have a garage.

Finally, your interiors can help to keep your home warm whilst still adding style. Try decorating with layers using textured pillows, throws and rugs. It’s a great excuse to buy something new and follow the latest home trends.

Your home is now winter-ready. If you have a property to let or sell in North London, talk to our team in your local branch about arranging a valuation before placing your property on the market. If you have any questions about selling or letting this winter, contact us online, on the phone or via email.