7 Home Maintenance Jobs to Do Before Winter

The winter is not only a time when our heating and plumbing systems are put to the test, but also the time when our homes are most at risk. The winter can bring harsh weather conditions that can cause significant damage to a property. If you want to minimize the damage that your property suffers and avoid expensive repair bills, you need to take preventative steps before the winter begins in earnest. To help you get started this guide outlines seven of the most important home maintenance jobs to get done before the worst of the winter weather arrives.

1. Check the heating system

You will be relying on your heating system more heavily during the winter, and the last thing you want is to wake up one morning and find it has broken down. Your central heating system should be serviced each year by a professional heating engineer to catch any small problems and ensure it is working efficiently before the cold weather hits. 

You should also bleed your radiators to let trapped air escape as bubbles of air can prevent radiators from filling up with hot water, making them less effective. It is also recommended that you lag external pipes to prevent freezing which can cause the system to shut down and/or lead to cracked pipes.

2. Service your air conditioning

Winter is the best time to book air conditioning servicing Adelaide as it should not be needed during the winter, so having it out of action for a day will not matter. It should also be cheaper and easier to get it serviced as air conditioning companies are not as busy during the winter. 

3. Clean your drains and gutters

Winter typically brings more rain, so it is important to prepare your drains and gutters to prevent detritus building up that can lead to blockages, breaks, and roof damage. You can clear drains and gutters yourself or hire a professional to do it for you if you prefer.

4. Check the sump pump

Heavy rainfall and condensation can lead to flooded basements, damaged foundations, and overflowing drains if your sump pump is ineffective. You should test your sump pump to ensure it is operational before the first major rainfall, or you could find out the hard way that you need a repair. 

5. Remove lint from the dryer

Cold and wet weather is not great for drying laundry, so your dryer is likely to be used regularly during the winter. Over time lint builds up in the dryer, which can cause fires, so you need to ensure you have removed lint and cleaned the filters and vents. It is also a good idea to vacuum the lint trap to get any smaller bits that have become stuck. 

6. Insulate windows and doors

A surprising amount of heat (and therefore costly fuel) can be lost through poorly sealed windows and doors. Walk around your home and check if the air is colder around windows and doors or if you can feel a draught. You can insulate these gaps with bronze weatherstripping, self-stick plastic, felt tape, or adhesive rubber. Click here for more information on draught proofing your home.

7. Test your electrical system

Just like your heating system, your electrical system will be put through its paces during the winter as we head into longer nights and tend to stay indoors more often. It is important that a professional electrician checks your electrical system, but you might want to consider stocking up on lightbulbs and fuses, so you are not caught out.

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