How to prep your home for winter

The winter months are setting in and have us all dreaming of cosy fires and hot drinks. While winter is the perfect time to snuggle up and keep things low key, autumn presents a great opportunity to tick off some simple (but essential) jobs around the home before the chill truly settles in.

Getting your home ready for winter can help keep you warm. Preparing for the unpredictable weather can also protect you from costly repairs caused by the season’s wind, rain and storms. And these don’t have to be huge chores! Depending on your home and heating options, there are a few small jobs you can do to make a big impact on your comfort.

Have your downpipes cleared

For some areas in Australia, the winter months usually bring huge downpours. The last thing you’ll want to deal with in the freezing cold is a blocked drain or clogged pipe. These can cause big problems in any season, but in winter the heavier rains can cause your pipes to overflow or sag, potentially causing permanent damage to your home.

It can pay to clear your own gutters before it gets too cold. Or, if you’re afraid you won’t be able to reach those tough spots (or just don’t want to), a licensed plumber can take care of the job easily.

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Check your heating system

This is definitely a job to do before the bitter cold sets in. Ensuring your heating is running as it should can save you from shivering through months of cold and wasting money on an inefficient system.

No matter the type of heating system you have running in your home, some common things to monitor include:

• Overall unit performance
• Airflow, crack and hole check
• Gas pressure, burners and ignition
• Carbon monoxide leakage
• Filter cleanliness.

Although it sounds like a lot, having a properly functioning heating system can be essential for the health and safety of you and your family. If you’re strapped for time or need extra know-how, a registered plumber or heating specialist will help get your system in tip-top condition for the chilly months ahead.

Get your ducted heating serviced

Ducted gas heating can be a lifesaver in winter. But if your system is left unattended over many seasons, it can become hazardous to your family’s health and safety.

As your system is continually circulating air, the fan will often have dust build up over time. The harder your ducted heating works in winter, the more pressure it puts on the gas burners and carbon monoxide testing units – both essentials for the proper running of your system.

Having your ducted heating serviced every 12 months can ensure optimal performance and an enormous reduction of potential hazards. It’s best to leave these checks in the capable hands of an expert gas or heating specialist.  

Have your gas log fire inspected

A gas log fire can add substantial warmth and style to your home. However, if they’re not installed properly or serviced regularly, they can also pose many dangers to the health of your household.

Your gas log fire will need to be inspected to ensure it complies with industry regulations and meets gas safety standards. A simple, annual check-up can keep your system looking and working as good as new. To make sure you can enjoy your stylish heating system for years to come, it’s best to leave this annual service to a gas log fire safety and technology expert.

Need help from a professional tradie?

While there are some winter prepping jobs you can do yourself, others are best left to the professionals. Licensed tradies have a multitude of skills and they are a great resource to prepare your home for winter and fix up those little jobs you don't have time to get around to.

Read more:

• How to protect your home from wild weather
• When do I need a plumber?
• What a handyman can do for you

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