Top Tips for Preparing Your Southport Home for Autumn

Did you know cold stress contributes to over 60,000 deaths in England and Wales annually? Cold temperatures are no joke. Cold stress contributes to hypothermia and other life-threatening conditions that can be avoided with thermal protection.

Autumn is just around the corner, and colder weather will soon be creeping in. Is your home prepared for the chilly seasons?

Keep reading as we explore the top tips for preparing your Southport home for Autumn – so you can stay safe, cosy, and warm!

Deep Clean the House

Summer can be a filthy time of year. Homeowners often keep their windows open to let a cool breeze in – but this also allows the dirt, flies, and insects from the outside drift into your home. Now is a good time to sweep the floors, polish the skirting boards, and quickly dust your blinds. 

Gentle vacuuming and dusting will help you improve the air quality at home. Your windows and doors will be shut tight during the autumn, meaning there will be less ventilation to eliminate dust in the air. So, getting all the dust cleared with a thorough home cleaning ready for the chilly weather is best!

Clean Your Fireplace

Do you have a fireplace or wood burner at home? Lucky you! Autumn is always best with a fire – ambient lighting, warmth, and the perfect cosy atmosphere. To enjoy the bliss of curling up by the fire this Autumn, you should consider cleaning your fireplace. Soot can be pretty dangerous when it builds up. 

When you light a fire, the wood and fuel that doesn’t burn becomes soot. So, when it accumulates in your flue, it’ll present a fire hazard. Your ambient flames might just set fire to this residue and cause a roaring fire, putting your home in danger. 

So, invest in a chimney cleaning service, or grab a sweep and get going! Just be sure to lay down tarps and protective coverings – soot can be hard to clean.

Empty Your Gutters

What’s one thing we know for sure? It will rain this autumn. If your gutters are full of debris like sticks and leaves, your home won’t have proper drainage for rain water. When rain water has nowhere to go, it can cause damp and structural damage for your property. 

Emptying your gutters doesn’t have to be a scary job, where you’re trying to stay balanced while scooping out leaves on top of a ladder. You can simply hire someone to do it for you. The service is affordable and well worth the money – Britain is a rainy place, and all that water needs somewhere to go!

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Did you know that insulation can make your home feel warmer and get rid of those pesky draughts? When it comes to insulating your home, there are several key areas you should focus on, including:

• Windows and doors – simply ensuring there are no cracks, gaps, or draughts in your windows and wooden doors go a long way to conserving the heat you use in your home. Use a sealant to ensure your windows and doors are airtight when closed.
• Baseboards and skirtings – if holes are in your baseboards and skirtings, this could cause cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. So, try applying fillers and sealants to close these gaps.
• Loft and roof – heat rises and can rise right out of your home if you don’t take the time to insulate your roof. Although this is a more costly insulation solution, it will instantly bring you more heat efficiency.
• Cavity walls – if you have a new home with even brickwork, your walls could have cavities. If left unfilled, these cavities can host cold air, and your home won’t be as insulated. Check if your cavity walls are insulated adequately if your home feels cold.

Create a Warm Atmosphere

There are many ways to create a warmer atmosphere in your home and stop those post-summer blues from creeping in. Here are the best ways to make your home a cosy haven for the colder months:

• Candles – lighting candles can create a warmer atmosphere in your home, and lighting a few candles can even improve the temperature. Choosing autumnal-scented candles will also help you get in the spirit for the spooky season!
• Blankets – have plenty of fluffy, warm blankets around the house? Ensuring there are enough throws will help you stay warm when the heating isn’t on and create a more welcoming and comfortable look for your living spaces. Electric blankets are highly efficient and help you rely less on your heating.

Invest in New Heating Solutions

Is your home’s heating system efficient? Before the frosty winter arrives, it’s best to review your heating system and determine if there’s any need to invest in a new boiler, heat pump, or central heating system. Replacing your heating system can make your home feel warmer and save money. 

Check to see how old your boiler or heat pump is – you’ll find this on the unit. If the appliance is older than 15 years, it’s best to replace it to feel warm for less this autumn. Check out GreenMatch to see how much a heat pump costs in the UK and evaluate other heating options for your home.

Summary

Do you feel prepared for Autumn? By taking the steps listed above, you can make the turning weather less daunting. Colder temperatures can make you feel lethargic and less motivated to perform household tasks – so it’s best to get these things out of the way while the weather is working in your favour!