The colder temperatures of winter can seriously affect our wellbeing and enjoyment of the season if we don’t take sensible precautions. This includes preparing for snow and ice, wrapping up warm when we venture outside and ensuring that our boilers and central heating systems are properly maintained. Having access to a reliable, expert Gas Safe engineer is particularly key at this time of year.
There are many ways in which we can protect our hones and ourselves in the colder months of the year. From keeping an eye on the weather forecast to planning ahead to mitigate against the worst of the conditions in store. Here are five ideas to get started.
Keep the heat indoors
Check that your home is properly insulated in areas where hot air may escape outside. These include the attic, doors, windows and any ventilation fans or equipment. Don’t leave the front door open any longer than you have to when taking in parcels or welcoming visitors. If you open a window to let in the fresh air or to get rid of cooking smells, don’t forget to shut it again when the ait inside the room has returned to the desired conditions. Set the timer on your central heating to come on when people are in the house – you can turn it off at other times to save on energy bills.
Carbon Monoxide
Risks from carbon monoxide gas escaping into the home rise during the winter as we use more appliances to stay warm, such as portable heaters, gas fires and central heating systems. Carbon monoxide can be fatal to humans and pets if left unchecked. If you smell gas, contact an emergency gas heating engineer straight away. Book regular servicing appointments for all of your gas appliances too, so that any cracks, damage or wear and tear can be detected and repaired in good time. You should also ask your gas engineering for a routine servicing for your appliances whenever you arrange any repairs or installations, for additional peace of mind.
Bleed your radiators
Keep your central heating system operating at its best by bleeding radiators regularly This helps to release any air bubbles caught in the hot water pipes. Bubbles can reduce the efficacy of a central heating system as well as cause problems further down the line. Bleeding radiators is easy to do. Ask your gas engineer to show you how when they are next visiting your home for an appointment. They can also show you how to check your boiler to make sure that it is working correctly so that you know when to book a repair if it becomes necessary. The better you get to know your boiler and central heating system, the better you can control its settings to keep thing at their ideal temperature all winter.
Frost and Snow
We have all seen people slipping and sliding around on the ice – and even done it ourselves. Ice and compacted snow can also play havoc with outside pipes and appliances. When sub-zero weather is forecasted, prepare by wrapping exterior appliances and pipes with insulating material and putting down rock-salt free de-icer on your paths and driveways. Make sure you know where to find hats, gloves and boots for when you need to go outside for work, errands or exercise. Use a de-icer to remove ice and snow from your vehicle. Never throw boiling water onto the screen. Always clear the entire windscreen from snow, ice or mist as it will be dangerous to drive it with only part of the screen offering a clear view.
Go Safely
It is worth planning ahead a little further than normal when the weather is bad. This includes working out what to wear to stay warm and safe, checking that your vehicle is ready for winter driving and that you have essential items to keep you safe with you. These include a charged mobile phone, bottle of water, shoes or boots with a good grip for walking on icy surfaces and several warm layers of clothing. Schedule longer than usual to get to where you need to be and if the weather is especially bad, only travel if it is absolutely necessary.