Protecting your home during winter months
Get yourself winter-ready with these great tips for protecting your home when the weather turns.
A bit of DIY and Prep
Insulate pipes: Ensure all water pipes and tanks are well-insulated to prevent freezing and bursting. This includes pipes in the loft, garage, and any other unheated areas.
Leave heating on: Set your heating to come on at a low temperature (around 15°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. Modern thermostats often have a frost protection setting for this purpose.
Service your boiler: Have your boiler serviced before you leave to ensure it’s in good working order. This can help prevent breakdowns during cold weather.
Clear gutters: Clean out gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages that could cause water damage during heavy rain or snow.
Securing your home
Lock all doors and windows: Double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked. Consider installing additional locks or deadbolts for extra security.
Use timers for lights: Set timers on indoor lights to give the appearance that someone is home. This can deter potential burglars.
Install security systems: If possible, install a security system with cameras and motion detectors. Some systems can send alerts to your phone if they detect any unusual activity.
Ask a neighbour for help: Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property, collect post, and remove any flyers or newspapers that accumulate. This helps maintain the appearance that the house is occupied.
General safety tips
Unplug electrical appliances: Unplug non-essential electrical appliances to reduce the risk of electrical fires and save on energy costs.
Store valuables safely: Secure valuables in a safe or hide them in less obvious places. Avoid leaving them in plain sight.
Check insurance: Ensure your home insurance policy is up to date and covers any potential winter-related damage. Some policies may have specific requirements for unoccupied homes.
Following just some of these tips you can help ensure your home remains safe and secure while you’re away enjoying your holiday.
