When the months get cooler, it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode and forego maintenance on your property. It’s much more appealing to wait until the spring warmth is back. The thing is, by keeping on top of even smaller home maintenance tasks during the winter months, you won’t end up with a backlog of chores and potentially higher expenses down the track when the weather is more forgiving. Here are some ways to stay cosy, dry and healthy this winter.
- Check walls and ceilings for damp and mould
According to Jaime Pratt, Head of PM at VPM, damper and colder weather can create havoc in our homes. “The combination of reduced ventilation, reduced sunlight and potential water ingress from condensation and wet weather can cause mould to creep its way onto walls, ceilings and even furnishings,” she said. “A quick, regular check and clean of the walls behind furniture, ceilings and around windows, blinds, and curtains can help you to stay on top of the mould, preventing illness if it’s cleaned away quickly.“
- Inspect heating appliances, smoke detectors and fire alarms
Sadly, winter is renowned for house fires caused by faulty appliances and smoke alarms. The cooler months signal a return to using an array of heating devices that often haven’t been touched since last winter. Always check that these are in optimal working order; cords and plugs are intact with no rust or visible wiring. Be sure to have small appliances repaired and air conditioners serviced if required.
“This is also a good time to check that your smoke and fire alarms are working and replace them or the batteries if necessary,” Jaime advises. “Smoke and fire alarms must be checked annually, so it’s important to take steps to have them serviced, especially heading into the months when there’s a higher potential for house fires.”
- Service fireplaces and heaters
If you have an older fireplace or one that runs on gas or electricity, now is the time to safeguard your home by servicing it and ensuring that it’s in good working order.
Jaime says that cleaning chimneys and around fireplaces can reduce the fire risk, servicing gas heaters can reduce the potential for gas leaks and checking electrical heaters can lessen the chance of electrical fires.
- Carry out a pest inspection
While we like to huddle up for the warmer months, pests that can find refuge in your home looking for warmth do, too. Checking cupboards, vents, garages, roof spaces, and under stairs will uncover all sorts of places where cockroaches and mice like to hide.
If you find that you have pests in your home, contacting a pest control company can help you find solutions to keep them under control.
- Increase ventilation wherever possible
There’s no doubt that winter brings some warmer days that provide a great opportunity to ventilate your property as much as possible. Opening doors and windows to allow for fresh air and sunlight can help dry out any dampness and keep things like mould at bay.
Jaime suggests that where ventilation is impossible, using dehumidifiers and fans on low can help increase air circulation and reduce the stuffiness that can build up during winter.
Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, your property manager is there to assist you, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open if you experience or foresee any maintenance issues during winter. Our friendly team is always on hand to help.