Is your home ready for Winter?

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

As the temperature drops and winter approaches, it's time to prepare your home to withstand the cold weather and keep you warm and comfortable throughout the season. Here are 8 tips to winter-proof your home:

1. Insulate Windows and Walls: Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm during the winter months. Insulate your windows and walls to prevent heat loss and maintain a consistent temperature indoors. The cost range between R80 and R120 per square meter for insulation.
2. Service Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your heating system (if you have one) before the start of winter to ensure it is in good working condition. Clean or maintain your underfloor heating and fireplace. Check for any leaks or malfunctions, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure your heaters are operating efficiently and safely.
3. Protect Pipes: Insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas, to prevent them from freezing and bursting during cold snaps. Consider installing heat tape or cable on vulnerable pipes for added protection. Keep cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
4. Stock Up on Supplies: Prepare for the winter weather and power outages by stocking up on essential supplies such as food, water, batteries, flashlights, and emergency heating sources like blankets or portable heaters.
5. Keep your Gutters Clean: Clear leaves, dust, and any obstructions from gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage to your home's exterior and foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and roof leaks, so it's important to keep them clean and free-flowing.
6. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks around doors and windows. Seal these areas to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
7. Get a Geyser Blanket: During winter, geysers can lose heat more quickly. Consider investing in a geyser blanket to help insulate your geyser and reduce heat loss. This can also help save on electricity costs by reducing the time it takes to warm up the geyser. Geyser blankets are affordable, with prices starting from around R200.
8. Inspect Electric Blankets: Make sure your electric blankets are working and there's no damage to the cords.

By following these tips to winter-proof your home, you can stay warm, comfortable, and even enjoy the winter!

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