The end of summer is the ideal time to start preparing your home for autumn. Inside the house you need to ensure that you and your family will be able to stay safe and warm when the weather gets colder. If you leave the preparation until the weather has changed it may not be so easy to find the tradesmen you need at short notice.
If you are not sure how to go about preparing for the colder weather, DIY Doctor offers a fairly comprehensive list of important tasks to carry out at this time of the year.
Safety devices in the home
Before you start using your central heating in the autumn it is a good idea to check that devices such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly and do not need new batteries. If you have fire extinguishers, check that they are still in date and have them serviced if necessary.
Boiler safety
Arrange to have your boiler and heating system checked in late summer before you need to turn it on. A company such as http://greenplanetheating.org/heating-installations/ will be able to check how well the boiler is working and advise you on which steps to take. Repairs and maintenance may be sufficient, but if you need a replacement boiler installation Forest of Dean companies such as Green Planet Heating can help. In addition to the safety aspects, a regularly maintained boiler will be more efficient and cost-effective.
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Home insulation
Effective roof and wall insulation is important to keep your home warm. Without this, the boiler has to work harder to maintain temperature and your heating costs will soar. Have your insulation checked in late summer to ensure that it is sufficient to prevent cold and draughts from entering.
Bedding
If you keep separate, heavier bedding for the winter, get it out well before you need it and check that it is in good condition. Fabrics may need freshening up before being used, so if you have high tog quilts or heavy blankets in storage, check them in late summer. Some people prefer flannelette sheets and pillowcases in the winter, so if you are planning on using these, put them through the wash to freshen them up before you put them on the beds.