Top 10 winter tasks 

As the weather turns colder, there are key home improvements and maintenance jobs we should all tackle so we’re prepared come heavy rain, sleet or snow.

1. Give your boiler some TLC

Boilers have a nasty habit of breaking down just when you need them most but an annual service from a Gas Safe Registered engineer could save you a lot of stress and cold showers. A service costs less than £100 and the engineer will check your boiler is safe and working well. It should take at least 30 minutes and you’ll get a written report. For added peace of mind you can get boiler breakdown insurance to cover the cost of fixing faults and often servicing too.

Did you know? If you rent a property, fixing the boiler is your landlord’s responsibility. Phew!

2. Draught proofing your home 

If you’re feeling the chill despite the central heating, check for gaps that let warm air out and cold air in. Inspect the seals on your doors and windows, repair cracks and fit draught excluders if necessary. Is your letterbox the culprit?  A letterbox draught excluder costs less than a tenner. Insulating blinds and curtains will help keep warmth from leaving through your windows. And double-glazed windows retain 30% more warmth than single glazed.

Do you have bare floorboards? Gaps between them can let in a lot of cold air – here’s a guide to filling them with putty, string or strips of wood.

3. Is your home insulation up to scratch?

Wall, roof, loft and floor insulation will all contribute to a warmer, more energy efficient home. Good for the environment and good for your energy bills too! Houses built after 1920 often have cavity walls and cavity wall insulation is recommended to keep in the heat. It involves injecting insulation into the gap, and although it’s a fairly big job it is thought to pay for itself in around five years through energy savings.

Did you know? If you are thinking of selling your home, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and better insulation will help improve your rating.

4. Are you eligible for government grants? 

It’s also worth checking if you’re entitled to help with making you home warmer or more energy efficient. You can find information about government grants for home improvements, including insulation, double glazing and solar power here. If you are born before the 5th October 1954 you may be entitled to Winter Fuel payments and, if you receive benefits, cold weather payments or the warm home discount scheme.

5. Chimney care

If you have an open fire or woodburning stove, you need to keep your chimney in good condition – get it swept by a chimney sweep every year.

If you don’t use your open fireplace then it could be filling your room with cold air, especially when it’s windy – the eco chimney sheep is a great option to fill the gap.

6. Check your alarms 

It is important that your house has well-maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout to keep your household safe. Ideally you should give them a quick test every week, but if it’s been a while do it now and change batteries if necessary. If you have a security alarm get it serviced annually. You  might want to consider investing in the latest smart home security.

Did you know? All new McCarthy Stone retirement homes to rent or to buy offer integral smart safety and security features, including a 24-hour emergency call out system, integrated fire detection and door video entry.

7. Book your car a Winter Check 

Driving in cold, dark and potentially icy conditions poses additional challenges and it’s worth checking your car is in the best condition to cope whatever the weather. Your local garage will offer Winter Checks which include checking the tyres, battery, windscreen wipers and lights as well as topping up coolants, oil and anti-freeze. It’s also worth packing your car with essential items in case of breakdown, like a torch, blanket and a first aid kit. See the AA’s winter survival checklist for ideas.

8.Feed the birds – and look after the bees too

Small garden birds need to eat around a third of their body weight a day to stay warm in winter and are grateful for extra treats. You can feed birds at home even if you don’t have a garden and they are lovely to watch as they play. But birds are not the only wildlife that could do with a helping hand in the colder months – you might consider a building a hedgehog home or adding a bug hotel for hibernating bees and other insects.

9. Weatherproof your exteriors 

Winter storms and driving rain can seep into cracked rendering, gaps around windows, broken gutters and damaged roof tiles causing damp, leaks and potentially substantial damage. Clogged guttering, and gullies at the bottom of the pipe, can also cause damp – blocked gutters can overflow in heavy rain soaking external walls. Clearing leaves and debris at least once a year will prevent this happening.

10. Tidy your outside spaces 

Winter is the perfect time to tidy your garden ready for spring. Prune apple trees, clean up your shed, sharpen tools, fix fences – especially if they are vulnerable to coming down in strong winds, and plan for the season ahead. It’s also a good idea to ensure your pathways are free from slippery moss and debris. If snow or ice is forecast invest in some de-icing grit or salt and a snow shovel to keep walkways safe and clear.

If a lot of this a sounds like a lot of hard work, maybe it’s time to consider a lower maintenance lifestyle? McCarthy Stone elegant, spacious and warm retirement apartments are available to rent or to buy at locations all across the UK and are perfect for people who want to focus on the sociable side of retirement.

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