Keeping your home secure and ready for the winter is a task that more people should take on each year. Some things can only be apparent when it’s too late, and then you’re left with a cold house when you really don’t want one. Emergencies do happen though, and sometimes they can’t be avoided. For instance, windows can break, but finding emergency commercial window repair isn’t that difficult. A lot of the time, you can have the windows fixed in minutes! But there are ways that you can prepare your home and they’re super easy to do. So, keep reading and discover the best tips on prepping your home for the cold days ahead!
Upgrade Your Windows
One of the main things you want to do in the winter is keep your home warm, and windows are one of the most important factors in doing so. If you’ve got windows that perhaps are the newest or don’t have double glazing, then you’re definitely missing out. With less modern windows, the cold air can get in to your house a lot easier, and the warm air will escape too. This makes your home not only colder, but much more expensive to heat. Why not speak to some local glaziers and see if they can advise you on what windows will be best for you to upgrade to. It’s also a good idea to do it before winter hits, as you don’t want to be having your windows changed when it’s freezing outside!
Fix Any Drafts
Drafts are extremely common in houses but dealing with them early on is crucial. While you may not notice them as much during the summer, when the cold weather arrives, you’ll definitely feel them. Spend some time in the warmer months going around your home and feeling for any breeze that might be coming through the house. It may not feel like much now, but when the temperature drops and you’re desperately trying to stay warm, it’s really doing to make a difference. Investing in some draft excluders can be a good idea, as they can help block the gaps under doors which often lets in the cold air. So, don’t leave it until it’s the dead of winter before you realise that you’ve got drafts all over your home.
Check Your Heating
In the winter, most people are going to make the most of their central heating. However, chances are, you haven’t really used the radiators for a few months leading up to the cold months. Although you might assume that they’ll work fine, they might not be as efficient since they were last used. Make sure that you give your radiators a test run before the real cold weather hits, as you don’t want to be caught out with broken radiators! This doesn’t mean you have to have them on in the peak of summer though. Test them when you feel the first slight chill in the Autumn air, and you’ll be able to get them fixed within plenty of time for the real cold winter ahead. Finally, you can also opt to upgrade your flooring with underfloor heating if you have the budget.
Get The Layers Out
While heating can be a great way to combat the cold, you may need other methods to keep warm as well. Floors can really let the cold in, especially if you don’t have carpets. Wooden, tiled, and linoleum flooring really feels icy to the touch in winter, so popping a few rugs on top of them can be a great way to keep the cold at bay. Try going for fluffy rugs that feel comfy under your feet and also trap the heat. Another layering option is blankets for the sofa, and these can work wonders. Grab your blankets from last year and give them a good wash before popping them out. If you don’t have any, head down to your local homeware store and pick up some fleece blankets. Fleece is said to be the best material to use as it helps to keep the heat in a lot better than others. So, don’t forget to grab your layers ahead of winter and you’ll be able to avoid the cold for sure! Winter can be a tough time for a lot of people but staying warm can be done if you do a bit of preparation beforehand. These tips show you just how easy it can be, and that it’s never to early to start. So, try taking these tips on board this year, and you’ll be able to have the cozy home of your dreams!
