AUTUMN is here and it is the ideal time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.
The days are already growing shorter and temperatures begin to fall, with the temptation there to put the heating on.
And acting now can help prevent issues such as frozen pipes, boiler breakdowns and costly damage later in the season.
Boiler expert Gordon Wallis from Your NRG has shared his four essential steps to protect your home this autumn.
1. Maintain adequate heating
Gordon explained that many people make the mistake of turning their heating off completely in a bid to save money, but this can leave pipes vulnerable when the first cold snap arrives.
He advised keeping the thermostat set to a minimum of around 10C to provide enough warmth to prevent freezing.
Those with smart thermostats can benefit from remote monitoring and adjustment through their phones if temperatures drop suddenly.
2. Insulate exposed pipes
Areas such as garages, basements and lofts are particularly vulnerable because they are often unheated.
Wrapping insulation around the pipes provides an extra layer of protection and is both affordable and easy to install, reducing the risk of damage before the worst of the weather sets in.
3. Turn off the mains water supply if you are away
If you are planning to be away during the autumn period, Gordon recommended shutting off the mains water supply.
Turning off the stop tap means no water can flow through the system if a pipe freezes and cracks.
He suggested opening the lowest tap in the property after turning the supply off to release any pressure still in the pipework, a simple precaution that can prevent a small problem from becoming a major repair.
4. Check boiler pressure and settings
Before the colder months arrive, Gordon advised checking your boiler’s pressure gauge, which should typically sit between 1 and 1.5 bar.
Low pressure can cause the boiler to stop working when you need it most.
He also encouraged homeowners to use frost protection mode if their boiler has it, as this automatically switches the heating on if the internal temperature drops too low.
“Autumn is the time to get ahead of the cold,” Gordon said.
“Taking these simple steps now ensures that your home is protected, your boiler is working efficiently and you will not be caught off guard when temperatures start to fall further.”
With the right preparation, households can enjoy the season knowing that their home is safeguarded against common problems, and costly surprises can be avoided once winter finally arrives.
