ESSENTIAL HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS TO DO THIS NOVEMBER
Now is the perfect time to turn your attention towards the essential home maintenance tasks that will prepare your property for winter. Get ready to get busy with this bumper, yet perfectly doable, to-do list.
This month serves as a crucial period to get ready for the colder months ahead, and tackling these tasks now will ensure the comfort and safety of your living space, as well as help to prevent costly repairs later down the line.
In this handy guide by property expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk, you will learn some of the key maintenance tasks that every property owner should consider in October to prepare for a happy, safe, and hassle-free winter!
Schedule a Boiler Inspection
Before the temperatures drop too low, it is vital to inspect your heating system to ensure that it is working efficiently. Gas and oil boilers should ideally be serviced once a year by a qualified heating engineer to ensure they are running to their maximum potential and efficiency. As autumn sets in, it is a great time to get your boiler checked to avoid being left without heating on a cold, frosty morning.
As well as ensuring that your home is adequately heated, you may be able to save yourself a lot on winter energy bills. You can save between 20% and 35% a year on upgrading your boiler to a more energy-efficient model if you are currently relying on an older one. Winter is the busy season for engineers, so getting your service booked in now will help you beat the rush.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
With the falling leaves of autumn comes the responsibility of keeping your gutters clean. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, causing leaks and damage. The time has come to grab a sturdy ladder, put on some protective gloves, and remove the leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts (or call in a professional to help)!
Make sure to flush out your gutters with water afterwards to ensure proper drainage, and if you notice any signs of rust or damage, it might be wise to consider a repair or replacement before winter weather compounds the issue.
Ice dams can form when snow and ice on the roof of your home melt, run into the gutters, and re-freeze due to cold temperatures. When an ice dam is formed, it can prevent proper drainage and cause water to collect under shingles, moving moisture to damage your roof. They can be exacerbated by gutters that already have a buildup of debris due to a lack of cleaning, so removing those autumn leaves will be a huge help when winter hits!
Winterise Outdoor Spaces
As October progresses, it is time to think about preparing your outdoor spaces for winter, starting with examining your garden and landscaping. Trim back any dead or dying plants and consider mulching your flower beds to protect them from frost. If you have potted plants or delicate flowers, bring them inside before the first frost arrives.
Don’t forget to store outdoor furniture either – a little effort now will help to keep it in good condition for years to come. Gently clean and coat your patio furniture and allow it to dry before storing. If you do not have a garage or shed to store your furniture in, invest in good-quality covers that will protect it from the harsh winter elements.
Drain any remaining water from outdoor systems such as sprinkler systems and consider shutting off the water supply to outdoor taps. If particularly cold weather is on the charts, installing frost-proof outdoor taps can also be a smart preventative measure.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always be a priority when it comes to home maintenance, and taking the time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly is essential. Replace the batteries in these devices at least twice a year – a good way to keep track of this is to do it in October and March when you change the clocks for daylight savings time.
Test each detector to ensure that they are working properly, and if any are outdated or malfunctioning, replace them immediately. Keeping your home safe and prepared for any potential hazards should always be paramount, especially as we prepare for the colder months, when we will likely be spending more time at home and using more gas and electricity.
Insulate Your Home
As the chilly winds begin to sweep through, now is an excellent time to check for draughts around your windows and doors and install effective insulation methods. This can help you save money on energy bills all year round by keeping cold draughts out during winter and protecting from outside heat in the summer months.
The effectiveness of insulation depends on the type and amount you install and the size of your home, but from double-glazing your windows to installing cavity walls, a little goes a long way in improving your energy efficiency!
If an entire revamp is not an option right now, you can start to save money using simple budget methods such as placing draught excluders around windows and doors and using thermal curtains and blinds to keep the cold out and trap the heat in.
Check Your Roof and Loft
Your roof acts as the first line of defence against the elements, making it critical to give it a thorough inspection as autumn settles in. Look for any cracked shingles, signs of leaks, or other visible damage that may need addressing. If you aren’t comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, consider hiring a professional roofer who can identify any issues and provide advice about necessary repairs or maintenance.
Additionally, if you have a loft, don’t overlook the importance of proper loft insulation. Ensuring your loft is well insulated helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing heating costs and preventing ice dams from forming on your roof. If your loft insulation looks sparse or compressed, it may be time to add more material to keep your home warm during the winter.
Service Appliances
October is a great time to give your household appliances some extra care, particularly those that will see heavier use during the colder months. Clean out your washing machines and tumble dryer vents to prevent lint buildup, which can pose fire risks and affect efficiency. For your refrigerator, check the seals and replace any that are damaged to ensure optimal performance.
Consider descaling any appliances such as dishwashers and coffee makers to avoid mineral buildup that can affect functionality. There is no better feeling than knowing your appliances are functioning at their best as you enter the season of cosy nights in, festivities, and entertaining!
Bleed and Flush Your Radiators
Bleeding and flushing radiators can help you save on energy costs by increasing their overall efficiency. Bleeding a radiator will remove trapped air from inside the system and allow hot water to circulate more effectively, therefore increasing efficiency.
Flushing will remove any sludge and debris that is preventing your radiator from performing properly, which means it will take less time to heat up. Heating can be a costly process, so any step to reduce the time it takes will be a big help as the colder months approach.
By doing these checks on your radiators each year, you can also extend their lifespan, ensure that they are warming your home throughout without leaving cold spots, and reduce strain on your boiler.
Plan for Seasonal Décor
And finally, there is no more fun and exciting way to prepare your home for autumn than by putting out some seasonal decorations! Add themed items such as pumpkins, leaves, acorns, and autumn wreaths. Consider setting your dining table with autumn-themed tableware, napkins, and placemats to add a touch of seasonal charm to your meals.
Lighting sets the entire mood and tone of a room, and as the cold, dark nights draw in, you are going to want to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Candles are a great way to add a warm ambience with soft lighting, and selecting those with fragrances such as cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice will really bring the feel of the season into your home.
Final Thoughts
Completing these essential home maintenance tasks in October will allow you to welcome the winter months free of stress, knowing that your home is prepared for whatever weather comes your way. From system inspections to ensuring your safety devices are operational, each task contributes towards your home’s overall health and efficiency.
Embrace the spirit of the season by taking these steps for peace of mind and a safe, cosy environment to snuggle up and enjoy the magic that autumn and winter bring!
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR… THOMAS GOODMAN
Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
