WINTER PROPERTY GUIDE

PRUDENT ASSET MANAGEMENT



As we transition from summer to winter, you’ll probably be re-acquainting yourself with your heating. Before the weather gets really cold, start to think about whether your radiators need bleeding, check that your boiler is working and dust off the vents/filters for maximum benefit. This will give you some time to make sure everything is still working before the days get too cold!






Check that the pilot light is on and re-light it if necessary. Instructions on how to do this will be in the boiler manual, or on the side of the boiler itself. It may also be worth having your boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer. This will ultimately give you peace of mind , as leaking carbon monoxide is a risk at any time of the year






Through the summer you may have left windows on the latch for some fresh air. To save on your heating bill, do a quick whip round and make sure they’re shut tight ready for the colder weather. Also check whether there are any gaps in windows and doors so you can seal them and reduce draughts (and heating costs!






The winter weather can cause damage to your chimney, so the pre-winter months are a great time to get your chimney swept.





As the cold weather sets in, the water in your pipes may freeze causing them to burst. Not only could this cause a lot of expensive damage, but it may mean you have to move out whilst the repairs are undertaken.
• Keep an eye on any cracks or holes that may appear in the outside walls that might let cold air make its way to your pipes. Seal up any gaps before they become a larger issue.
• Keep the heating at a low level (above 4°C) even when you’re away from the property, as this will help maintain a consistent temperature around the pipes






As we transition from summer to winter, you’ll probably be re-acquainting yourself with your heating. Before the weather gets really cold, start to think about whether your radiators need bleeding, check that your boiler is working and dust off the vents/filters for maximum benefit. This will give you some time to make sure everything is still working before the days get too cold!






Taking the bins out at 6:30pm? It’ll probably be dark by then during winter! To make sure you always have a safe, well-lit route around your home grounds, make sure your outdoor lights are in working order.






If your property has an oil tank, make sure it’s topped up for winter. Doing so will help you avoid peak winter prices and make sure you don’t run out of oil through the colder months.






Making sure your garden is clear, clean and ready for winter is a good idea. Secure anything that could be swept away by the wind such as greenhouses, plant pots and wheelie bins. Keeping on top of any leaves in your garden is also a good idea so they don’t build up over the autumn.






One of the most important things to consider when heading into winter is whether you have home insurance. The winter months bring darker nights which lead to higher crime rates, plus the UK weather obviously starts declining in the winter. Not only will most home insurers provide cover for things like theft, but also fire and flood too. A lot of people experience issues with their property throughout the winter months, so unsurprisingly this is when a lot of people need to make a claim under their home insurance policy. Check that you have sufficient cover in place, and that you understand what cover is provided under your policy. It’s also worth ensuring you know who you need to contact, and what you’ll need to provide to your insurer if you do need to make a claim.