It might look like a pretty winter wonderland outside the window, but that doesn't mean it is safe and sound in your home - especially not if you haven't prepared your home for winter yet. Read on to find out more about winter home essentials and enjoy a warm season with no surprises.

Check the Boiler

The cost of energy is higher than ever, and people everywhere are feeling the pinch; that's another good reason to have your boiler checked this winter. Checking the boiler also helps to make your system more reliable for the cold season, so you don't have any surprise repairs.

A boiler is a serviceable item - you need to have it checked at least once a year by a qualified technician - so it might as well be shortly before the cold snap. A boiler engineer will test the system and clean it, making it more efficient and reducing your energy bills throughout winter.

Roof Repairs

A property's roof takes a lot of punishment in the winter. If there are any leaks or cracks, there is a danger of mold and rotting in the loft, but equally, you need to look out for the formation of ice dams on the shingle and slate. These form when ice freezes on the eaves and water backs up.

Most people assume that the roofing cannot be fixed in the winter; after all, what roofers work when the temperatures are sub-zero outside? You might be surprised as many roofers do work during cold spells. Not only can you have the roof repaired in winter, but it tends to cost less too.

Pipe Insulation

The last thing you want is flooding in your basement in the winter; it's inconvenient, costly, and avoidable. The good news is there are some easy to protect your pipes and save yourself a lot of stress; simply insulate the pipes with foam and allow the water to trickle in the tap overnight.

Keeping your pipes insulated is the best way to prevent the water from turning into ice and then bursting, and allowing a trickle of water to run overnight stops the water from freezing in the first place. Make sure you insulate your pipes early in the season or at any time that you remember.

Pest Protection

In the winter months, you can expect there to be more pests in your home. Many people assume that pests are more of a summer thing, but in fact, the winter months are when you will find them in your home the most. Look out for the sounds of rodents in the walls and the loft.

If you discover you have rodents in your home making a warm nest for the winter, you will need to act fast. Rodents can multiply quickly, and soon your home could be infested with disease-carrying animals. In this case and others, it's best to call a professional pest service.

Final Thoughts

Spend some time thinking about how to look after your home this winter and avoid many of the issues that could cost you time and money or increase your energy costs. The tips above are a great place to start, but you might also want to think about your drains and your garden spaces, or perhaps even reinstalling full fittings, such as with window installers that fit new models with better insulation if that time has come.

With a multi-faceted effort you can make sure even unusually cold temperatures can be weathered with ease.