As winter approaches, it’s essential to take a few proactive steps to ensure your home stays safe, warm, and well-maintained during the colder months. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare:
- Insulate Your Pipes
Lagging your pipes with insulation helps prevent heat loss and protects against temperature fluctuations. Uninsulated pipes are prone to bursting, especially when exposed to sudden temperature changes. For example, if your heating hasn’t been used for months and then is suddenly turned on during a cold snap, the rapid temperature change can cause the pipes to burst. Insulating your pipes helps maintain a more stable temperature, reducing the risk of damage. If you notice a frozen communal pipe, please report it to your Property Team, who will arrange for a qualified contractor to assist. - Know Your Stopcock
It’s important to locate and familiarize yourself with your property’s stopcock valve, which controls the water supply. Knowing how to turn it off quickly can prevent extensive damage in emergencies like leaks or bursts. Periodically check the valve to ensure it operates smoothly. - Maintain Home Heating
On particularly cold days, keep your home heated for at least an hour a day, even when you’re away. Consider programming your central heating to activate at regular intervals. Check your boiler pressure; it should be between one and two bars. If it’s not, consult a Gas Safe engineer. You can find a local engineer on the Gas Safe Register. - Use Your Heating Early
A simple and free way to prepare your property for winter is by gently using your heating system before the cold snap arrives. Keeping your home at a temperature between 18°C and 21°C will:- Keep your boiler active
- Help maintain a steady temperature for your pipes
This simple step can prevent major issues with your heating system, pipes, and radiators when the cold weather hits.
- Bleed Your Radiators
Radiators can accumulate air, which reduces their efficiency. If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cool at the top, it may be time to bleed them. You can either ask an engineer to do this or, depending on the type of radiator, you can do it yourself. - Check Loft Insulation
Loft insulation is vital for heat retention. If your loft isn’t well insulated, it can make it much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. Poor insulation can also strain your boiler, pipes, and radiators. If you already have insulation, consider having it checked by a qualified expert to ensure it meets the necessary standards. - Clear Your Gutters and Drains
Remove any debris, leaves, and greenery from your gutters, downpipes, and drains to prevent blockages during winter storms. Inspect your gutters for any damage and repair or replace any cracked sections. This will ensure proper water flow, protect your walls from waterlogging, and help minimize the risk of dampness inside your home. Our Property Teams are available to assist you and your neighbours in organising this essential maintenance. - Smoke and Heat Alarms
New legislation in Scotland requires all households to install smoke and heat alarms. For more details, please visit the Fire and smoke alarms: the law – gov.scot - Prepare for Winter
Scottish Water has published a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your home for winter. You can read it here: Be Winter Prepared – Scottish Water - Emergency Contacts
In case of emergencies such as loss of electricity, water, or gas, or in the event of winter weather, storms, or floods, it’s crucial to know who to contact. The Scottish Government’s Emergency Contact Information provides all the necessary details.
For more specific emergency contacts, please visit our Emergency Contacts Page, where you’ll find a list of reliable contractors and services available throughout the winter months, including over the Christmas period.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your home remains cosy and safe all winter long.
