Eight Home Maintenance Tasks to Do NOW To Save Thousands This Winter

As the harsh winter months approach, it’s important to take proactive measures to ensure your home remains snug and protected from the elements. The average UK homeowner spends £2,725 on home repairs and maintenance each year, with the most common repairs being plumbing (30%), electrical (25%), and carpentry (20%).

There’s no avoiding the regular maintenance our homes and gardens need, but by doing simple maintenance jobs now, you can save yourself thousands of pounds. DIY expert and Owner of Saxton Blades, Glen Peskett, shares eight home maintenance tasks to do now to prepare your home for winter.

1. Clean Up The Gutter: “Keeping your gutters clean and in good condition is key to preventing any water damage to your home. Whilst walls will resist damp if they are in good condition, over time they can soak into brick, stone, and timber. Doing this in December prevents ice dams and water seepage. Remove any dead branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice to prevent damage to your home.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £1,000 (average boiler repair)

2. Service Your Boiler: “It’s hugely important to make sure your boiler is working and functioning at full capacity before cold weather strikes. Your boiler should be serviced annually and at the soonest opportunity, to maintain good performance and keep your bills low.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £2,700 (new boiler and installation)

3. Check Insulation: “Winter is a great time to top up your home insulation as you will immediately start to save money on heating bills. You might not realise how costly having a draught in your home can be – heat loss through windows is responsible for 25% – 30% of heating energy use so it’s important to check and replace insulation if it’s inefficient.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £200 annually on energy bills

4. Fix Burst Pipes: “Burst pipes can be a huge issue, so make sure to get them insulated as soon as possible. This will reduce heat loss in colder areas of your home and can help prevent your pipes from freezing. There’s no reason why you can’t DIY this task, especially when this type of insulation is relatively inexpensive. For an average home, it may cost around £100 but it can save up to 10% on heating bills.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £150 (average plumber costs to repair burst pipes)

5. Bleed Your Radiators: “You should bleed your radiators once a year, even if they are working properly. This can save you money in the long run, as trapped air in radiators can stop warm water from circulating around the radiator properly, meaning you don’t benefit from its full heat potential. This might tempt you to turn your heating up, adding up to 10% to your heating bills. Keeping your radiator clean, using a damp cloth, will allow heat to distribute more evenly around a room.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £200 (average cost of new radiator)

6. Inspect Your Roof: “Look for damaged or missing shingles, cracked caulking around vents and chimneys, and signs of leaks. Twigs, birds’ nests, algae, and moss can cause damp to build up and seep into roof tiles. Addressing issues now prevents leaks and damage from snow and ice.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £5,500 (average roof repair cost)

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: “December is a good time to check batteries and functionality. It ensures your safety throughout the winter when homes are more closed up.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £500 (average cost of replacing a faulty smoke alarm) + £500 (average cost of replacing a faulty carbon monoxide alarm)

8. Inspect Your Chimney: “Blocked chimneys can pose a significant risk to homeowners, as they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and structural damage. Thoroughly inspect your chimney for cracks, loose bricks, or signs of wear and tear. Sealing up gaps and cracks around your chimney with heat-resistant caulk or sealant can work wonders in reducing draughts and cold air seepage throughout the winter.”

Potential Cost if Ignored: £1,000 (average cost of chimney repairs) + £5,000 (average cost of fire damage)

Methodology

All potential costs have been fact-checked on CheckATrade and were correct as of w/c 11 December 2023.