Winter home care checklist.
Winter home care checklist - Helping you prevent problems before they happen!
Winter can be tough on homes, but a few simple steps now can save you stress, time, and unexpected repair costs later. Here’s our quick checklist to help keep your property safe, warm, and protected all season long.
🔥 Keep your home warm (even when you’re away)
Set your heating to a minimum temperature (around 12–15°C) to help prevent frozen pipes.
If you're travelling, keep the heating on a low, continuous setting - frozen pipes can occur quickly during a cold snap.
Open internal doors so warm air can circulate around areas with pipework.
🚰 Protect your pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in lofts, garages, and utility rooms.
Locate your stopcock and ensure it turns easily - it’s vital if you need to shut off water fast.
During severe cold spells, consider opening the loft hatch slightly to allow warm air to reach loft pipework.
🔒 Secure your property before holidays
Double-check that doors, windows, and gates are locked before leaving.
Use timer switches for lights to give your home an occupied look.
Tell a trusted neighbour if you’ll be away for an extended period.
Keep valuables out of sight from windows.
🏚️ Check your roof & gutters
Clear out gutters and downpipes so rainwater can flow freely.
Look for slipped or missing roof tiles - winter winds and rain can worsen damage.
If in doubt, consider having a professional roofer carry out a pre-winter inspection.
💧 Avoid water damage inside
Look for drips or damp patches under sinks, around toilets, and near radiators.
Bleed radiators to improve heating efficiency.
Check loft insulation is dry, well-fitted, and hasn’t been compressed by stored items.
🌬️ Review your outdoor spaces
Secure or store garden furniture to prevent wind damage.
Trim back overhanging branches that could fall in storms.
Clear drains and pathways to reduce the risk of flooding or icy slip hazards.
🛑 Test safety devices
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed.
Have boilers and heating systems serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer.
Keep a torch and spare batteries handy in case of winter power cuts.
If you need advice or support, our team is always here to help.