Cosy Up: Get Your Home Winter-Ready
It’s that time of year again – the evenings are darker, the air is crisper and we’re reaching for the central heating switch.
Traditionally, an Irish winter is a time for bedding down, putting things in order and getting cosy and comfortable for the long cold months. Just as in the past, there are plenty of things we can do nowadays to get our homes winter-ready.
Take Care of the Clutter
The first step in that process is tidying away all the summer clothes, holiday luggage and outdoor furniture that we won’t need until next year. If you’re tight on space, there are plenty of smart solutions available, from vacuum storage bags to collapsible tables and chairs. The wet weather can be tough on gardens, so cover your BBQ, check your fences and use simple stakes to reinforce any weak saplings.
Roll Up Your Sleeves
Once that’s done, it’s time to give the house a thorough clean. With the change of seasons, eight-legged friends tend to move in and set up home, so a long-reach duster will come in handy. Prepare for the return of muddy feet by placing mats at the front and back door, and set up a slipper station so you can change footwear when you arrive. If you’re planning on lighting fires again, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit from a chimney sweep to be safe. It’s tempting to keep windows shut tight against the cold, but it’s more important than ever to keep fresh air circulating through the home, so give it a good airing when you can.
Get Cosy and Comfortable
Speaking of heating, that’s a big part of the to-do list. If you need to order fuel, get ahead of the crowd by contacting the heating company early. Scheduling a boiler service is a must-do, to make sure it’s in tip-top condition when you need it most. If you use turf, logs or smokeless coal, make sure you’re stocked up – and remember, you’ll need to keep it somewhere safe and dry. Don’t forget the simplest solutions too: dig out the woolly socks, extra-fluffy jammies and heavy comforter, to keep you snug at night.
Become Energy-Efficient
Of course, keeping a house warm is about much more than fuel: the SEAI has some great tips for helping you stay toasty in the evenings, including sealing drafts, closing curtains and “listening to your mother” about closing doors to rooms you’re not using. They also recommend using smart home technology to help manage your energy efficiently. The Smartzone system can be upgraded to allow you to control your home heating and energy management, monitor water usage, or automate your home lighting and power outlets – all from the palm of your hand.
Prepare for the Unexpected
We’ve had some pretty extreme winter weather over the last few years, so it’s best to be prepared in case we experience big storms and cold snaps again. There’s nothing worse than scrambling for a torch during a black-out, so a properly-stocked emergency kit will give you peace of mind. This could be as simple as a torch and batteries, or as extensive as bottled water, extra medication, a first aid kit and a battery pack for your phone.
Escape of water is also a problem that can occur unexpectedly. It’s often a burst pipe, damaged water tank or leaking appliance that’s the cause, so watch for the appearance of water stains, odd smells or unusual colours on pipes and joints. Try to avoid blocked drains by preventing fat, grease or oil slip down your sink when you’re washing the dishes, and put a simple trap in place in the shower to prevent build-up of loose hairs. Gutters and drains can get clogged with leaves at this time of year too, so it’s a good idea to check that they’re clear. If in doubt, call in the experts – a qualified plumber or engineer can keep your boiler, heating system and appliances in tip-top shape.
To prevent burst pipes, double-check to make sure your pipes are properly insulated (especially at joints and bends), and take care of any dripping taps. If the temperatures do plunge, it’s important that some warm air circulates through the house, so arrange for your heating to come on automatically or to a schedule if you’re going to be away. All of these steps may help avoid water damage, which makes for a serious headache for homeowners.
Taking that extra bit of time to properly prepare your home for the winter months will help make sure the season passes smoothly, working through crisp mornings and snuggling through cosy evenings. That way, you’ll have nothing to worry about – except writing your Christmas list!
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