Updated on 18th November, 2022 by Martin Astley
Home emergency cover claims are particularly a common-place over the winters. Where rest of the UK braces itself against the wind, rain and snow, and prepares itself for sub-zero temperatures, 247 Home Rescue prepares itself for a spike in the number of boiler breakdowns and plumbing emergencies and ensures that it can continue to offer a 24-hour repair service all across UK when the demand is high and travel conditions are at their worst.
But, not to worry, there are plenty of things you can do to get your boiler and home ready for winters. Avoid the trauma of an emergency in the coldest months of the year by following some of our top tips and tricks!
To Prevent Burst Pipes
- If the weather is freezing, leave the central heating on, on a low setting. Set up a timer to turn your central heating on for a couple of hours every day or even twice a day as per your preference of warmth.
- Well-insulated pipes are the safest, make sure you check for your pipe insulation in advance of the winter.
- If a pipe freezes, defrost it as soon as possible, as the situation could worsen if the ice expands any further. Read about how to defrost frozen pipes for more information.
To Prevent Drainage Breakdowns
- Clean your gutters and drains to keep them free of debris to ensure the water drains through them properly.
- Repair any damage you notice on your roof, such as broken or missing tiles.
To Prevent Central Heating And Boiler Breakdowns
- Get your boiler serviced. It is best to get your boiler’s serviced within the weeks leading up to winter. This way, you can check for any problems with the appliance before the winter hits and get them repaired.
- Check-in advance, if your boiler works. Switch it on when the weather is still relatively warm and check that it heats up your radiators properly. This will let you know if you need to bleed your radiators or clean your radiators and will alert you for any problems with your boiler and central heating system.
To Prevent Break-Ins
- Fix the security lights of your home. Burglars tend to take advantage of the long winter nights to break into people’s houses under the blankets of darkness, and security lights can be all it takes to prevent this from happening.
- Buy a light timer, it’s best at use when no-one’s home. These will automatically switch your lights on and off throughout the day and make it look like someone is home.
To Reduce Your Heating Bills
- Get your home draught proofed. Seal any gaps that could wind in and heat out. Such as those around cables and windows.
- Make sure your loft and walls are insulated.