Lawrence Rand’s Guide to Winter-Ready Homes: Essential Maintenance Tips for the Christmas Period

1.        Bleed Your Radiators for Optimal Warmth

Cold patches on your radiators? That’s trapped air preventing proper circulation of hot water, causing your heating system to work harder than it should.

Here’s how to fix it:

• Start with your radiators turned off and cold.
• Use a cloth to protect your floors, grab a radiator key or screwdriver, and have a bowl ready for drips.
• Slowly open the radiator valve until you hear a hissing sound. Once water starts to flow, close the valve.

This simple task improves efficiency and ensures cozy warmth throughout your home.

2.        Check and Repair Your Roof

Don’t let loose tiles or damaged flashing lead to costly water damage during winter storms.

DIY or call the pros?

• Confident with heights? You can secure loose tiles yourself.
• For extensive work, like relaying underfelt or chimney repairs, hire a professional roofer.

Addressing roof issues now can save you from dealing with leaks and damp problems later.

3.        Sweep Your Chimney for Safety and Efficiency

If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, a professional chimney sweep is essential to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of chimney fires.

Tip: After sweeping, ask for a certificate—it may be required by your home insurance provider in case of a claim.

4.        Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes are a nightmare. Avoid them by lagging your pipes with foam insulation, particularly in unheated spaces like lofts and garages.

Pro tip: Pay special attention to your boiler’s condensate pipe—it’s prone to freezing and can leave you without heat if not protected.

5.        Clear Your Gutters and Downpipes

Blocked gutters can lead to water overflow, damp walls, and heat loss.

• Remove leaves and debris from your gutters.
• Check for cracks or leaks in the system and make repairs as needed.

A weekend spent on this task can prevent expensive damp-related repairs down the line.

6.        Service Your Boiler

An annual boiler service ensures your heating system runs efficiently and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns during the coldest days.

Cost: Expect to spend £50–£100, a small price for peace of mind.

7.        Top Up Your Fuel Supplies

If your home relies on oil or LPG, now is the time to top up your tanks. Winter is the busiest season for suppliers, so ordering early can prevent delays.

8.        Boost Energy Savings with Loft Insulation

Proper loft insulation can significantly reduce heating bills and keep your home cosy.

DIY or professional?
It depends on your confidence and the condition of your current insulation. Either way, it’s an investment that pays for itself quickly.

9.        Check Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lights enhance safety by preventing trips and deterring unwanted visitors. Clean your fixtures, replace old bulbs, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs.

10.  Seal Draughty Windows and Doors

Stop warm air from escaping by sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or rubber seals. For a bigger impact, look into secondary glazing—it’s cost-effective and improves energy efficiency.

11.  Store Firewood Correctly

If you use a wood burner, ensure your firewood is dry and ready to burn. Store logs in a well-ventilated, raised log store to keep them in optimal condition.

12.  Protect Outdoor Taps

Frozen outdoor taps can cause burst pipes. Disconnect hoses and cover taps with insulated tap covers to prevent freezing.

13.  Block Chimney Draughts

Unused chimneys can let warm air escape. Products like chimney balloons or Chimney Sheep help retain heat and reduce your energy bills by up to 5%.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters

At Lawrence Rand, we believe that maintaining your home is an investment in its value, comfort, and safety. By tackling these small yet impactful tasks, you can avoid larger expenses down the road and enjoy a warm, stress-free winter.

Ready to take action? Start your checklist today and let us know if you need professional recommendations or advice. Stay warm this season—the Lawrence Rand way!