Autumn is here and the weather is most definitely beginning to change. Cold, rainy weather can play havoc with your home, with poorly insulated properties really feeling the cold and burst pipes often leading to damp and flooding. Due to this, it is important to prepare your home for the colder season as this will help protect you against high energy bills and pricey repairs.
Here are 5 easy steps to help you protect and prepare your home for the winter months.Â
Clearing the gutters may be the last thing you want to do, however, it’s an important task that should be done before the colder weather arrives. If you allow debris such as wet leaves or moss to build up, it can be a disaster for your property.
Once it becomes too much, it can cause blockages that may lead to leaks in the roof and walls. In order to minimise the risk of any water damage, you should make sure that the gutters are clear, and any debris is removed.Â
When the weather is cold and rainy, the last thing you want is to be without any heating. The change in weather will put pressure on your boiler, particularly if it hasn’t been used during the warmer months and may cause your system to stop working, resulting in a hefty repair fee.
That’s why it’s so important to get your boiler serviced before the freezing temperatures start to kick in, so make sure to book a service with a registered engineer. It may also be beneficial to take out boiler cover insurance as this will ensure that a qualified engineer will be able to sort out any problems as quickly as possible.Â
As the weather gets colder, the demand for home heating oil will increase, resulting in a spike in the cost. If you wait until mid-winter to top up, it is highly likely that you will be hit with high prices and long waiting times. To avoid this from happening, take a look at your oil levels and top up before the prices get too high. You will save money and be prepared for those cold, stormy nights – it’s a win-win!  Get a free quote from Certa today.Â
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) estimates that homes lose an average of 20-30% of heat through the walls. This figure rises further if they are not insulated. Additionally, up to 30% of heat can be lost through the roof if it is not insulated properly.
So investing in insulation throughout your home is vital as it will reduce heat loss as well as your heating bills. If you are worried about keeping costs down, the SEAI offers a range of wall and attic insulation grants. Find out more across our website.Â
Once your home is fully insulated, you should also ensure it is completely draught-proof! Cold air can enter, and hot air can escape through the smallest of cracks in windowpanes and doors. Make sure any openings are draught-proof by plugging any gaps and putting draught excluders at the bottom of doors. You should also keep the curtains closed in the evening to keep the heat in, but leave them open in the morning to let the heat of the sun in.
At Certa, we believe that if you follow our 5 easy steps, you can ensure that your home is prepared for any cold winter weather coming our way!Â
If you are having trouble with our Pay@Pump network, please call us on (01) 592 3909 or fill in the form below and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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