Autumn Checklist: How to Prep Your Home for Colder Weather

Wednesday, 27 September 2023 09:00

By Chloe Miller

As the warm summer days fade into memory, Sussex homeowners must start preparations to ensure their homes stay warm when autumn breezes begin. Autumn weather brings falling leaves, heavy rains and cooling temperatures before winter truly sets in across the region. That’s why now is the ideal time to safeguard your home against cold draughts and creeping damp by sealing gaps, servicing heating systems and clearing gutters before they overflow.

[Image source: Deposit photos]

Even just a little bit of seasonal maintenance and weatherproofing can go a long way to protecting your home. Plus, with proper preparation for the cooler months ahead, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and prevent costly weather damage. This autumn checklist covers key tasks to help you get your local property ready for dropping temperatures and the turn of the season.

Insulate the Loft

One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in your home is ensuring your loft has sufficient insulation. Heat rises and escapes through the roof if insulation levels are low. Checking current insulation depth and topping up where needed retains valuable warmth inside your home.

For the typical house, insulation depth of at least 270mm of material is ideal. Roll or loosefill insulation can be added depending on what is already laid between and over joists but take care not to block any required ventilation when topping up.

The good news is that DIY-savvy homeowners can often handle insulation upgrades themselves, however, for more complex jobs, consider hiring a professional installer. Well-insulated lofts make a real difference, allowing residents to keep cosy as the weather cools across the region. Investing in insulation products pays dividends in comfort and reduced heating bills.

Service the Heating System

As autumn approaches, wise Sussex homeowners will arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to service their heating system and ensure it operates safely and efficiently through winter. During the boiler service, engineers inspect key components like the burner, flue, pressure, pumps, and valves. It's a perfect time to bleed radiators if cooler spots appear and discuss energy-saving settings for your boiler and thermostat.

For homes with oil central heating it is also advisable to service or replace ageing tanks at the start of autumn. Corroded or leaking oil tanks can cause messy and costly damage, so inspection and maintenance is recommended. Quality maintenance keeps your heating system running reliably all winter long.

Upgrading old boilers to modern condensing models also improves efficiency substantially. Proper heating servicing provides peace of mind that your system won't falter when Sussex temperatures plunge. With a smoothly operating, efficient boiler, residents can stay warm and comfortable indoors regardless of worsening weather outside.

Seal Draughty Windows

As cold weather approaches, it's vital to address any gaps and cracks around windows that allow heat to escape and chilly draughts to creep in. Take the time now, while the weather is stil fairly warm, dry and mild, to fully re-caulk window frames using quality silicone or acrylic latex sealants, clearing out any old dried material first.

Pay close attention to the mullions and sills where air leakage often occurs. For traditional sash windows common in older Sussex homes, consider removable compressible strips that seal up when closed. Ensure all putty holding in glass panes is intact and replace any that is cracked or missing before the weather turns.

Properly sealed windows will help retain cosy indoor warmth. For added insulation, cellular blinds and lined curtains also reduce heat loss through glass. Well-sealed sash windows with energy-saving window dressings allow residents to keep warm while maintaining their home's traditional charm. Keeping out draughts saves money on heating bills.

Clear Gutters and Downpipes

Autumn brings falling leaves that can clog Sussex gutters and downpipes. Homeowners should thoroughly clear debris before heavy seasonal rains arrive. Wash away accumulated leaves and sticks using a garden hose nozzle. Take care around any brackets and seamless gutter joints that could be damaged.

Make any necessary repairs to loose areas promptly to prevent leaks or collapses. Properly maintained gutters allow rainwater to drain freely. Blocked gutters lead to interior water damage and stained exterior walls. Ensuring gutters are clear prevents expensive issues during our wet autumn months.

Weatherstrip Doors and Windows

As thermometers drop, prevent chilly draughts sneaking into your home by fitting weatherstripping around doors and windows. Self-adhesive compressible seals are an easy DIY solution for most homeowners. Measure carefully and ensure even contact around the frames. For sash windows, flexible brushed or finned strips work well when closed snugly.

Replace any damaged or missing strips that compromise the seal. Consider adding storm doors for highly exposed external doors to provide an extra barrier against driving winds and rains. Proper weatherstripping traps interior warmth effectively. Insulating letterboxes and cat flaps also combats heat loss through drafts in colder months.

With doors and windows properly weatherstripped, Sussex residents can retain precious indoor warmth despite worsening weather outside. Keeping the cold at bay means lower heating usage and power bills.

Clean Out Fireplaces and Chimneys

For those homes with wood-burning stoves or open fires, having the chimney professionally swept is essential pre-winter preparation. Registered sweeps remove accumulated soot and creosote, preventing dangerous blockages and chimney fires. They will ensure the flue is fully clear and check for any cracked bricks needing repair.

Newer properties may require special sweeping brushes. A clean, unobstructed chimney allows proper ventilation and safe operation. Don't light fires or stoves without a certified sweep first. Proper chimney cleaning provides peace of mind that your system is safe when enjoying a cosy fire during chilly Sussex nights.

Ready for Cooler Days Ahead?

Autumn's arrival brings cooler days and storms that test our homes. Draft-proofing measures like weatherstripping and insulation helps prevent heat loss and damp issues arising. Servicing boilers, clearing gutters and sweeping chimneys prevents problems as the seasons shift.

A little time spent on preparation now saves money and discomfort later. Simple maintenance tasks allow you to enjoy the cosy comforts of home as the leaves fall and temperatures drop. With your home ready for autumn, you can settle in and enjoy the warm glow of home and hearth all season long.