Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, Confused.com has offered advice on how to keep homes warm this Christmas.
Homeowners are being urged to take steps to avoid burst pipes caused by freezing conditions, and to winter-proof their properties before temperatures plummet further. It has also been suggested that preventative measures should be considered to protect motor vehicles, which could also be adversely affected by poor weather conditions.
Confused.com recommends taking the following action in order to reduce the possibility of ‘home disasters’:
- Ensure that gutters and drain pipes are clear of leaves and debris to lessen the chance of a blockage occurring.
- Large hedges and trees should be cut back to minimise the possibility of them causing damage during a storm.
- Any outside taps should be wrapped up with material to protect them from the cold.
- Chimneys that have not been used for months should be swept to remove debris and soot, which could otherwise cause a chimney fire.
- Ensure that the attic is ventilated to stop heat from escaping.
- Prior to going away, do not turn thermostats down or switch the heating off as freezing conditions could cause burst pipes and subsequent water damage.
- Have boilers serviced at regular intervals in order to make sure that they are functioning adequately before freezing temperatures set in.
- Consider using carbon monoxide detectors when the heating is on.
Head of home insurance at Confused.com, Darren Black, commented: “Winter is the time when all homeowners want to have nice and cosy homes to use for some respite from the cold and wet elements associated with winter. In order to create this warm, safe haven, essential checks need to be carried out. Prevention is certainly better than cure when it comes to an emergency in the home so people need to clear out guttering, lag pipes and wrap up any outside taps.”
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Homeowners who have noticed that their property is a little on the chilly side this winter could consider taking out a secured loan to fund any updates required. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could be used to replace any draughty doors or windows – or even the roof if it is in disrepair. Furthermore, if a property’s central heating system is ineffective then it could be replaced with a new and improved version. Following such work around the home, borrowers may also wish to re-decorate in order to make their nice warm property even cosier!
