We’re spending a lot more time than usual at home at the moment, so there’s no better time to tackle the chores you’ve been putting off. Now it feels like winter’s definitely on the way, finding time to make some easy home improvements will help you stay cosy and warm right up until Christmas and beyond. Cleaning your gutters or bleeding your radiators might not be on the top of your to-do list, but ticking off those extra bits and bobs will help you enjoy your home all winter long, without the worry of any nasty surprises cropping up.
Bleeding Your Radiators
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a freezing cold bedroom. Experts recommend that you should be bleeding your radiators at least once a year, although if you’re noticing cold spots, this is something to look into more regularly. The good news is that bleeding your radiators can be done very easily with a radiator key, and takes hardly any time at all. Putting this simple task at the top of your home improvements list means your radiators will keep running in top condition, letting you stay toasty all winter long. It’s also a great way to save on gas bills.
Cleaning Your Gutters
Home improvements are important on the outside as well as the inside of your house. When the stormy season comes, your gutters are likely to fill up with leaves and debris that’ll eventually clog up your drainage system, and cause you more work later down the line. You should be cleaning your gutters twice a year, so getting it done before winter really starts to kick in will help you see the season through without any worries.
The easiest way to clean your gutter is to put a ladder up to your roof and use a leaf blower to clear away any debris. If you’d prefer a professional to get the job done though, you can hire a tradesman for as little as £40, so you can clean your home and save money at the same time.
Power Flush Your Boiler
Just like any other key part of your home, your boiler needs looking after! If you’re noticing your pipes banging or rattling, your radiators taking longer to heat up than usual or that your water isn’t getting hot, there are steps you can take before things get worse. The best way to ensure your boiler is running smoothly is with a pre-winter power flush, which will flush any harmful debris out of your system, and makes sure hot water can easily reach and flow around all your radiators and taps.
The price of a power flush can range between £300 – £700, but it’s worth the cost to know you’re getting the most for your money – and to stop extra costs later down the line too. If you’re in the market for a new boiler altogether, BOXT includes the price of a Magna Cleanse with every purchase, so you can rely on having a warm home with no extra cost.
Check Your Caulking
A waterproof filler that stops heat and air leaving your house, caulk seals your windows, doors and sinks, as well as stopping your shower from leaking. Caulking only needs to be redone every five years or so, but checking up on your windows and doors on a regular basis helps you catch any issues before they become more serious problems. Inspecting your caulking every now and again also makes sure you can avoid any mould or mildew that comes from leaks around your shower and bathtub, especially as winter comes, and natural ventilation is less easy to find.
Think About Decluttering
Finally, one of the most simple home improvements you can make is to declutter. We all spend more time at home during winter, and especially in 2020, keeping your home cosy is more important than ever. Decluttering your home can help your space feel refreshed, as well as giving you more room to enjoy your home. If you’re working remotely, now’s a good time to throw away the things you don’t need, give unused items to charity, and make space for your office equipment. This will help you make the most of your home, and keep things running smoothly over winter and beyond.
Consider applying for an ECO Grant (Free Boiler Scheme)
Did you know the big six energy companies in the UK subsidise and fund new boiler replacements? Referred to as the ECO grant scheme or simply boiler grants, it’s been operating for many years now and enables eligible applicants to apply for funding, you can apply for a free boiler grant at Boilergrants.org.uk.
