As the winter months approach, it’s important to prepare your home to withstand the cold, snow, and potential weather damage. Whether you’re living in a house or an apartment, taking a few simple steps can help ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the winter. Here are some practical tips for tenants on protecting their home this winter:
This article provides a comprehensive overview for tenants on how to protect their rental homes during winter. It covers a range of topics from insulation and heating system maintenance to emergency preparedness and energy efficiency, offering practical advice and tips to remain warm and safe.
Winterising your rental home requires a combination of proactive measures, regular maintenance, and clear communication with your landlord or agent. By following these tips, you can ensure a safer, warmer, and more comfortable living environment during the winter months. Remember, preparation is key to preventing winter-related problems and enjoying the season in your cozy, well-maintained home.
Seal Drafts and Gaps
One of the most common ways homes lose heat during winter is through drafts. These can sneak in through doors, windows, and even electrical outlets. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Apply weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering.
- Use draft stoppers or even a rolled-up towel under doors to block chilly air.
- Install window film to insulate windows, particularly if your windows are single-paned.
Sealing drafts not only keeps your home warmer but also reduces heating costs.
Check the Heating System
Before winter fully sets in, ensure your heating system is in good working condition:
Ensure that you have set your central heating to come on twice every 24 hours for at least 4 hours each time. This will maintain a temperature within the property to prevent freezing pipes. The majority of boilers will have a frost setting – if you have a frost setting on your boiler then please use this.
In very cold spells, leaving cupboard doors open can allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. If you’re going away, never turn the heat off; a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. If your pipes do freeze, contact your landlord immediately.
If you are aware that your Landlord has a ‘Homecare’ contract with British Gas or a similar agreement with another company, then ensure that you have the relevant emergency contact number and policy number to hand should you require it.
If your heating system seems inefficient, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your landlord or agent.
Make sure radiators and heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains, which can prevent warm air from circulating properly.
If you notice any issues with the heating system, notify your landlord or property management immediately.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are a serious concern during winter and can lead to costly repairs and water damage. Here’s how to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Avoid turning the thermostat too low, especially at night. A steady temperature helps prevent freezing.
- On particularly cold nights, leave cabinet doors open in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
- If possible, allow taps to drip slightly during extremely cold weather to help keep the water moving.
If a pipe does freeze, contact your landlord or agent as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melts on a roof and then refreezes near the eaves, preventing water from properly draining. This can cause leaks and water damage inside your home. While roof maintenance is often the landlord’s responsibility, you can take these steps to help prevent ice dams:
- If you have access to the attic, ensure it’s properly insulated to prevent warm air from rising and melting snow on the roof. If it is not, ask the landlord to consider doing this to help prevent potential damage to the property.
- Report any clogged gutters to your landlord so they can be cleared before snow and ice accumulate.
Be Prepared for Power Cuts
Winter storms can sometimes knock out power, leaving you without heat or electricity. Prepare in advance to stay safe during an outage:
Keep a supply of torches, candles, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food items on hand.
Sign up for local weather alerts to stay informed of any severe weather or power outages.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
In an effort to stay warm, it’s easy to forget about ventilation, but it’s essential for your health and to prevent moisture buildup which could lead to damp issues.
Crack open a window for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate. This helps prevent condensation and mould which can thrive in damp conditions.
When cooking or showering, use extractor fans to reduce humidity and moisture buildup in your home.
Report Maintenance Issues Promptly
If you notice any maintenance issues that could become problematic in winter, report them immediately. Leaky roofs, faulty windows, and malfunctioning heaters should all be addressed by your landlord to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable throughout the season.
Insulate Your Water Heater
If your water heater is exposed to cold temperatures, it can lose heat and work harder to warm water. If possible, wrap an insulation blanket around the heater to retain warmth and improve efficiency.
Extended Periods Away
The Christmas period is often a time when extended visits to see family and friends occur. If you are away over the Christmas period then please ensure the above steps are taken, and please advise your landlord or ourselves if your break extends over seven days.
Know Your Responsibilities
As a tenant, it’s important to understand your responsibilities regarding winter maintenance. Review your tenancy agreement to know what’s expected of you versus what your landlord is required to maintain.
Taking the time to prepare your home for winter will not only keep you comfortable but also prevent costly damage and energy waste. By sealing drafts, protecting pipes, and ensuring your heating system is working efficiently, you can enjoy a warm and stress-free winter. Remember, staying proactive and communicating with your landlord about any potential issues is key to maintaining a safe and cozy home all season long.
Stay warm, and enjoy the season ahead!
If you have any queries or would like any further advice then please do not hesitate to contact our Property Management Department. If your call is out of office hours, it will be answered by our Emergency Out of Hours line.
For general maintenance issues relating to frost, ice and snow please report as normal through FixFlo by clicking the button below:
