Just like a car, a home needs regular inspection – especially at the start of winter, as the harsh weather tests the sturdiness and insulation of your home. Let’s take a look at what you need to do before cosying up under the blanket.
✓ Prep the heating system
Unsurprisingly, it’s when you need your boiler the most that it lets you down. And you really don’t want to be without hot water or heat for days when it’s cold out. So have a Tasker check your heating system so you are fully prepared. They should have a look at your boiler and at your pressure system, and also at the efficiency of your radiators by bleeding them and getting rid of any trapped air or sludge. Not only will your radiators work better and faster, but your energy bill will thank you as well.
✓ Prep water pipes
Freezing water in a pipe located outside or in an unheated space (attic, garage, basement) is every plumber’s nightmare. Insulating them ahead of freezing temperatures is a must if you don’t want an expensive water damage bill or if you don’t want to find yourself pouring hot water on your pipes in a desperate attempt to solve the issue yourself. Look out for exposed pipes and faucets and insulate them with covers, a special foam or tape. Alternatively, you can use heat cables to attach along your pipes.
Taskrabbit’s tip:
-> Run appliances that use hot water – like your dishwasher and washing machine – at night to keep them warm during the coldest hours.
-> Turn off the valves of your outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water
✓ Check insulation
As energy prices are skyrocketing and our planet is getting warmer, insulation has never been more important. Use a thermal imager (like in Predator, yes), or walk around looking out for draught on a windy day to locate where your home is lacking insulation and discover why your bedroom is much warmer than your bathroom for example. Usually the older your home, the more spots that might need a bit of foam or silicone sealant.
✓ Seal doors and windows
Old homes especially have gaps on the ground floor along the wall and the doors. The same goes for windows, and all that will cause you to lose some much-needed heat. Fixing it means finding out where the air comes through and filling it with draught-proofing strips that you can get from any hardware store.
Taskrabbit’s tip
->For windows you know you won’t open during the winter season, you can install window film covers to reduce drafts.
✓ Inspect the fireplace, chimney, and flue
A chimney is such a cosy way to get warm during winter. It can also be the reason why you’re so cold inside when you don’t use it. This is why it is vital to inspect that the flue damper opens and seals properly. You might also want to check that you haven’t got an unwanted bird’s nest or branches in your flue before you start burning your first logs.
✓ Inspect the Roof
From early spring to late summer, your roof is going through a lot between the heavy rain, the strong winds, and the accumulation of leaves and other debris… All of which can cause damage to and ultimately hurt the insulation of your house at best, or a massive leak at worst.. Roof inspection is much more difficult, and often more costly in Winter. So get ahead, and make sure to check your roof as well as your gutters.
If this list gives you the chill before it’s even cold, get help now to prep your home for winter.
