At this time of year you just have to blink and then the holidays are upon us. The countdown to Christmas is on, and with the festivities and fun, there are more than likely going to be freezing cold temperatures, snow, rain, and ice, depending on where in the country you live. With the mass spending that can occur at this time of year, you may have budgeted for the extra food and the gifts that you are going to buy. But have you thought about, or planned ahead for, the extra spending that you may have due to home repairs in winter? What if you needed to get a new boiler or if pipes freeze and then burst in the cold weather?
Home repairs are part and parcel of being a homeowner, and yes, it isn’t fun spending money on things like that. But it can be essential, and it can save you money in the long term, especially if something goes wrong with what you’ve got at home. So with all of this in mind, here are some jobs that are worth looking at now, so that you can enjoy your holiday season in peace, and not have any unexpected disasters.
Service Your Boiler
Having a boiler serviced should be done as often as you can, but once in a couple of years is usually a good place to start; when was the last time you had your boiler serviced? It makes sure that your home is safe, gas safe, and that the boiler will be functioning right to keep you warm through the winter. If you know someone that is certified to do them then it will make it cheaper. However, it’s definitely one of those things that is a necessary cost really (as boilers and issues with them can be way more pricey to repair).
Checks Pipe and Water Tank
If you get a burst water pipe then the damage it can lead to can be monumental. You have the cost of repairing the pipes, but if it has led to any water damage then it can mean the cost of repairing flooring or even ceilings. So checking on them regularly and making sure that they are working fine is always a good idea. While you are checking on the water pipes, the water tank is also worth looking at. Making sure that the lid is on securely is a good idea, as well as making sure that the insulation around it is going to be adequate and in good repair.
Windows and Drafts
The windows are one of the key things that help to keep the heat in over the winter time. So if you have any drafts coming in from your windows or damage to the windows, then it can make your home cold and not energy efficient. That will make your heating bill high over winter as you’re trying to keep the home warm all of the time. If you have cracked glass or anything like that to your windows, then getting new windows is as must. At this time of year it can be cold and damaging, as well as a hazard for things like theft. Sealant on windows can be a good way to repair if there are drafts, but if there are holes in the glass, then it will need new windows, and pronto.
Clearing Gutters
Clearing your gutters is so important at this time of year. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money (unless you don’t have a ladder to use). Through fall, leaves and moss can fall and fill the gutters around your home. Mix that up with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, and it can mean that it all will freeze together in your gutters. That can lead to damage with the gutters, as they can crack as the water freezes in there, as well as then lead to damage and even leaks. Water damage is really dangerous and can lead to a lot of problems. So cleaning gutters is a simple thing to do that can make a difference and avoid any of that kind of damage.
There can be some cost and hassle when it comes to dealing with the maintenance of your home in winter, but it is something to take seriously and not just brush aside. All of these things can save you money in the long term, and you will also not have any unexpected bills or damage to your home coming your way.