Follow our ten practical tips to protect your property and stay safe and prepared for the bitterly cold Winter weather.
1. Keep windows closed at night.
2. Avoid Freezing Pipes.
3. Insulation.
Walls.
If you are considering updating the insulation in your home. Check out Better Energy Homes Scheme online: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/ or contact your local council for more information. Properties built pre-2006 may be entitled to grants that will go towards the cost of improving the insulation of your home. However, if you are not sure what kind of insulation to use or how much you need, ask our team at Beattys of Loughrea where we are more than happy to help.
4. Clear gutters.
5. Clean vents and chimneys.
With colder months ahead it is likely that the fire will be lit more often. There is an increased chance that the deadly carbon monoxide poisoning will spread and lead to an expensive chimney fire. When carbon fuels like wood or coal lack enough oxygen to burn, a poisonous gas called Carbon monoxide (CO) is created. To prevent this odourless gas, ensure all chimneys and flues are cleaned regularly and that vents are never blocked. For peace of mind, Shop the wide range of carbon monoxide detectors/alarms we stock in-store or online at Beattys.ie.
6. Reduce the chance of draughts.
One-fifth of your home’s heating can be lost through air draughts around windows and doors! This can be an expensive problem but luckily there is an inexpensive solution. We stock a ray of different draught-proofing products such as internal and external door seals, brush covers for letterboxes, and silicone for windows and expanding foam. Browse beattys.ie now.
- For all door types
- Stops draughts, dust & noise
- Can be used over carpets
- Domestic & industrial use
7. Maintenance of the heating system.
Whether it's 'Servicing your Boiler' or 'Bleeding your Radiators', make this a priority before the Winter months. We need to care for the things that care for us. It's a no-brainer! A serviced boiler (Oil or Gas) can improve the performance of your heating system by one-tenth. You should save double what it will cost you to get a boiler service.
It’s the same with your Radiators. By caring for them and releasing the air trapped in your radiators, you significantly increase the efficiency of your central heating. You can also install an Auto De-Aerator for your radiators at €15 per valve. If this is not in your budget, just set a reminder on your phone and invest in a suitable Allen key set.
8. Keep pests away.
When it gets colder, pests begin to look for a warm home during the Winter. Prevent mice and rats from making your house their home by filling any holes and gaps. Food that is left out is a huge attraction for unwanted pests. Cover all food and store it in any container with a tight lid. Prevent pests from getting into your outside bins and making a mess by placing a heavy stone or block on the lid of your bin.
9. Be ready for electric and water disturbance
It’s a good idea to have essentials at hand in case you must leave home quickly, due to power or water disturbance. It's beneficial to gather bottled water, candles, lighter, medicines, a torch, radio and batteries, copies of important documents, and a change of clothes. https://www.beattys.ie/products/ultralight-1-5w-led-rechargeable-torch
"Don’t forget to get your car ready for journeys during the Winter months."
10. Prepare your car checklist.
-
Add the correct amount of anti-freeze to water and fill the water supply for washing your windscreen up to the max.
-
Before commencing on any journey make sure you have good visibility out of your windows.
-
If you find yourself in a rush, use a de-icer and a screen scraper in the car to help you clear your screen.
-
Carry a first aid kit, torch, and batteries for emergencies.
-
Check the tread depth and pressure in your tyres. Car tyres should be above the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm, and if you are unsure of the correct pressure (PSI) for your tyres, enquire with a mechanic.