4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Autumn & Winter

Well, the year has flown by yet again and here we are in autumn! The air has cooled, leaves are browning, and evenings are dark and cosy. It’s no wonder this beautiful time of year is such a favourite with so many! Of course, with autumn cosiness comes rain and wind, followed closely by winter, which brings…well, more wind and rain. Our homes need to be in top tip condition during these seasons, and it’s time to get prepared! Here’s how:

1. Check for draughts

If there’s a draught coming into your home, it’s better to find out now than in the middle of a freezing rainstorm! Draughts can have all kinds of sources, from door frames to cat-flaps. A good test is to light a candle to see if the flame flickers with all the windows and doors shut.

2. Sweep the chimney

If you have a fire or log burner, the best tip for keeping it working efficiently is to get your chimney swept at least every autumn, depending on how often you light the fire. Most areas have at least one local chimney sweep who can do the job, usually at quite a reasonable price.

3. Clean the guttering

As the weather worsens, now is the time to get that guttering clean, ready to deal with the soon-to-be-here rain. Clear it of leaves and other debris and make any repairs necessary. This can be a tricky job (and a somewhat dangerous one, if you’re not confident up a ladder) so it could be worth considering hiring a professional.

4. Build your wood pile

If you rely on your fire for heat during the colder months, you won’t want to get stuck without wood or coal. Stock up now, keeping your fuel in a cool, dry place that’s easy to get to whenever you need it.