Home Checks to Make in Autumn ~ Fresh Design Blog

As the weather starts to get colder, and the nights come sooner, you may feel like the days of being able to do DIY or repairs are at their end for this year. However, that is not always the case. Some checks can be vital to ensuring that you have a safe and comfortable winter and that you won’t be facing out of pocket or urgent expenses either during this period, or just following. While you cannot always anticipate emergencies in your home to occur, there are things you can do, and checks you can make, to minimise the likelihood of problems arising.

Boiler Checks

Ensure your boiler gets serviced before winter sets in — Image credit: Shutterstock

It is good practice, and often a requirement, to have your boiler serviced on an annual basis. On top of this, it can be a good idea to have a qualified engineer come and take a look at your boiler at the end of summer or in early autumn. This way, you can make sure that it is in good working order for winter. Planning ahead might also save you money, especially if a progressive problem with the boiler becomes apparent. This is perhaps why you should buy a new boiler in advance, rather than potentially paying extra for an emergency appointment and fitting when things get severely worse at the last minute.

Clean Out Any Guttering

Your guttering runs around the top of your home, and helps transport water into the drain. Throughout autumn, it can be delightful watching the leaves change colour, from green to shades of orange, red, and brown, and fall from the trees. Unfortunately, it is all too common for these leaves to either fall onto guttering, or to be carried there by the wind. This stops rain from being safely transported down into your drainage systems. Over time, this clogging can lead to a lot of damage in your home, such as leaking or even problems with the foundations. Cleaning out the gutters during autumn can help prevent any such damage in your home.

It's a good idea to check the guttering on your house for leaf blockages before the winter sets in — Image credit: Shutterstock

Look at Your Windows

Now is a good time to look into the security of the windows in your home. This involves checking that the locks and closing mechanisms work correctly, and that drafts are not occurring. While you want to be able to keep the cold out, you also still need to be able to open the windows, as this is one of the best ways of preventing black mould from occurring, particularly in rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom, which are more likely to be exposed to regular dampness. Insulating your windows, either by investing in double glazing or even by covering them with a heavy set of curtains, can also help keep your home warm during colder weather.

While the summer may now be behind you, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the seasons to come. Keeping the important aspects of your home in good working order means that, aside from any situations out of your control, you shouldn’t have to fork out too much money and can, instead, simply relax in the warmth and security your home provides.