10 ways to prepare for winter with our home health checklist

Is your home winter-ready? As the days grow colder and the nights draw in, it’s more important than ever to keep things warm, safe and secure. This winter health checklist identifies ways to help get your home ready for when the temperatures drop.

Key points: 

• Secure any loose items outside your home in case of high winds 

• Check for areas of damage on your roof and fence panels

• Make sure gutters and drains are free from debris

• Insulate any exposed water pipes to prevent the water inside from freezing

• Get your boiler checked and radiators bled before setting your thermostat 

1. Secure garden furniture

High winds could take hold of your garden furniture, and blow them around. Make sure your garden chairs, hanging baskets and any loose pots are safely stored away for winter, or risk them being damaged or causing damage to your property.

2. Cut back the trees

The last thing you want on Christmas morning is to wake up to a fallen tree in your garden, or worse, onto your house. Make sure any large trees and overhanging branches are taken care of before winter sets in. If necessary, or in the case of very large trees, call in a specialist tree surgeon to check them and carry out any required maintenance.

3. Check the roof

Broken or loose slates could lead to leaks and other weather-related damage if left through the winter months. Make the time to check your roof, or get in the professionals, to double check it’s winter-ready this year.

4. Fix loose fence panels

Of course it's tempting to leave loose or damaged fence panels for next summer’s to-do list. But holding off will likely only result in more damage once bad weather strikes, and these are not covered for wind damage by our home insurance policies. Take the time now to repair your fences before the winter does its worst, and save them from being battered by high winds.

5. Clear drains and gutters

Blocked gutters and clogged-up drains could result in cracked pipes, leaks, damp or even subsidence affecting your property. Keep on top of clearing your gutters from mud and debris, particularly as the autumn leaves begin to fall. Damage caused by neglected gutters and drains won’t be covered by a policy with us, but other insurers may choose to cover it.

6. Protect your pipes

Frozen water in your pipes could cause them to crack and eventually burst. If you’re going away over winter you can expect the temperature to drop below freezing, so it’s important to be prepared. Save yourself from water damage by protecting your pipes with a foam layer (called lagging), so you don’t come home to damp carpets, or worse.

7. Sweep the chimney

Failing to clear your chimney before winter hits could have severe consequences. Flammable deposits inside your chimney shaft are easy to ignite and difficult to put out. Protect your home from chimney fires by booking a professional to clean your chimney long before you're likely to need it.

8. Get your boiler checked

Broken down boiler? There’s nothing worse. Especially when the cold takes over. Get your boiler serviced using a trusted tradesperson, well in advance of the temperature dip, so you can enjoy the comfort of knowing you’ll be blissfully cosy when the frosts arrive.

9. Bleed the radiators

If the heating's on but your radiators feel cold, it’s time to turn to your trusty bleeding key. Only bleed your radiators while your heating’s turned off – it’s a good idea to bleed them all before setting your thermostat for winter.

Keeping a cloth handy to save your carpets getting wet, turn the bleeding key anti-clockwise in the valve until you hear a hissing sound. Once the first water begins to spurt, you’ll know you’ve emptied all the air.

10. Keep things cosy

It’s not just you who feels the chill. Your home also needs some warmth to keep damp at bay and prevent freezing pipes. If you have a loft, make sure it’s properly insulated and keep your central heating at a minimum of 12°C (55F) for a few hours each day to help keep the frost out.

How can I get a home insurance quote with John Lewis Money?

You can get a quote for home insurance with John Lewis Money to cover your home and your belongings.

Not only are our Gold, Silver and Specialist home insurance policies five-star rated by Defaqto, but our different levels of cover can be tailored to suit your property.

Plus, our Specialist Home Insurance is specifically designed for high-value contents & homes, or unique homes.