With temperatures set to plunge this week and Met Eireann issuing orange and yellow warnings for parts of the country, it’s essential you take the necessary precautions to protect your property.
Below are some tips to prepare your home and property for the cold winter weather:
Check your heating:
Check your heating system to make sure everything is in order. It is recommended to get your boiler serviced and also to bleed your radiators. Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating/cooking
Take extra precautions on the road
Obviously, this goes without saying. Reduce your speed and allow more space to the vehicle in front. Keep a blanket in your car in event of breakdown and a car phone charger is always a good idea. Ensure your fuel, water and oil levels are adequate
Know how to turn off your water supply
If you are leaving your property unattended for a period of more than a day or two, you should shut off the water supply to the property from the external stopcock (while ensuring that any water-dependent appliances or facilities are also shut-off)
Be Prepared – avoid Frozen Pipes
Ensure all exposed pipes are adequately insulated. This includes pipes in the attic even where the attic floor has been well insulated
- Insulate or wrap a towel around an outside tap
- Leave a light on in the attic
- Open attic trap door to allow heat in
- Leave heating on for longer periods at lower settings
- Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes so keep your house warm For more advice on how to best prepare for Winter check out the following link http://winterready.ie/Be-Winter-Ready.aspx