Home Winter Weather Proofing 22 Steps to Save Money on Energy and Repair Bills
Personal_Finance / Home Maintenance Nov 03, 2013 - 03:31 PM GMTBy: Sami_Walayat
Now is the time before the temperatures drop to conduct a relatively quick preventative home winter weather proofing survey that than can save on costly repair bills such as damage form blocked drains, gutters, leaking roofs, and burst pipes that can result in soaring insurance premiums on claims, as well as save on costly excessive energy usage due to drafts, poor insulation and boiler problems.
Therefore prevention is the key in this comprehensive 22 step home survey to help identify potential problem areas that need to be addressed before winter strikes, that has the potential to save hundreds of not thousands of pounds each year.
Home Winter Weather Proofing 22 Point Survey Check List
| No | Task | Status - Ok / To Do | Date Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drains - To Clear | ||
| 2 | Gutters - To Clear | ||
| 3 | Flat Roofs - Maintenance | ||
| 4 | Main Roof - Maintenance | ||
| 5 | Brick Work - Pointing | ||
| 6 | Brick Work - Green Algae / Mould | ||
| 7 | Trees - High Winds Risk | ||
| 8 | External Pipes and Taps | ||
| 9 | Hoses and Garden Equipment | ||
| 10 | Garden Decking, Fencing Water Proofing Condition | ||
| 11 | Boiler - Pressure / Operation | ||
| 12 | Carbon Monoxide Alarm | ||
| 13 | Fire Alarms - Working | ||
| 14 | Loft Insulation Status | ||
| 15 | Under House Insulation | ||
| 16 | Garage Door Seal Condition | ||
| 17 | Doors - Drafts and Seals | ||
| 18 | Windows - Drafts and Gaps | ||
| 19 | Radiators - Air, Reflectors | ||
| 20 | Ducts - Sealing Gaps | ||
| 21 | Track Energy and Water Usage | ||
| 22 | Preparing for Snow Fall |
Print Checklist
The following are a selection of the 22 survey points covered in the video
1. Check for Blocked Drains
Drains blocked by leaves and detritus can cause extensive property damage but is relatively easily preventable, by clearing debris and utilising cheap materials such as plastic mesh that cost less than £1.
6. Check for Algae and Mould
Algae and mould are sign of poor drainage, so such areas should be identified for water proofing solutions, such as cheap plastic guttering costing less than £10.
10. Garden Decking and Wooden Structures
Extend the life of your decking and garden structures such as fences and benches by regular cleaning and annual water proofing treatments that typically should cost less than £30.
14. Loft Insulation Status
Check for quality of loft insulation and lagging around central heating pipes (if any) that needs to be addressed to save on energy costs and prevent highly damaging burst pipes that can cost on average £2000 to repair.
17. Doors draft and seals
Seals around doors deteriorate over time so should be checked at least once a year for replacement. You can either check by hand for draughts or use temperature measuring tools. Draft proofing can cost as less than £5 per external door.
21. Track energy and water usage
Log your meter usage for electricity, gas and water, so as to identify problem areas early, today many app's are available as well as the traditional spreadsheet solution.
Click here for the full 22 step home winter weather proofing video survey. And click here to subscribe for notification of more comprehensive "How to Do" video guides.
By Sami Walayat
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