Are you keeping the bad weather out and keeping the warmth in?
Top Tips
Here's a quick check list of things to look at more closely.
Ensure that your roof got all its tiles and replace any cracked or damaged ones.
Make sure that your gutters are not blocked with leaves and other debris. Ensure that gutters are fixed securely they may have to withstand additional weight of ice and snow.
Lag any external pipes and turn off any water supply to the garden as this will help to prevent burst pipes.
Make sure your loft is well insulated with 1011 inches (270mm) of insulation; any home with 4 inches (100mm) or less should have it topped up. Loft insulation grants are available to completely cover the cost of having loft insulation professionally installed in your home. Even if you are not entitled to a full grant, you can still receive a partial grant to cover up to 70%.insulation. Ensure any water pipes are lagged in your loft. If you are going away at any stage over the winter, it is worth considering leaving any loft access open to let warm air rise and prevent your water tank from freezing.
Make sure wall cavities are insulated.
You may also be able to claim financial help with heating your home, including Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, HeatingRebate scheme, Warm Front scheme
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes
Check your heating system and get any boilers etc serviced professionally to minimise the risk of breakdown. Make sure you have topped up your heating oil too. Set any thermostats so you only heat the rooms you are using.
Get a friend or neighbour to check on your house if you are away and leave numbers for plumber and heating engineer just in case there is an emergency. Make sure they know where the stopcock is just in case you they need to isolate the water supply especially useful if there is a burst water pipe.
Fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets to make it airtight.
Tuck your tender plants up for the winter and check them periodically to ensure they don't get too dry.