It’s okay to admit it. Your family have really been through the wringer these past few months. The start, end (and in some cases start again) of the national lockdown have taken a toll on both your income and your wellbeing. But they may also have taken a toll on your home. As you and your nearest and dearest hunkered down and dutifully waited for the all-clear, your home may have endured extra wear and tear. While you may have made improvements to your home’s decor in the spring months, you may not necessarily be able to perceive things that could start to go awry around winter. And by the time you find out about them, it could be too late. 
When things start to go wrong in the house around winter time (especially when it comes to your heating and plumbing infrastructure) not only can you expect to pay more for vital repair services, you may also have to spend longer in cold and discomfort. With this in mind, summer is the perfect time to start thinking about winter. While the weather is warm and clement (and you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outdoors having been cooped up all spring), it’s a great time to carry out some checks in your home…
Is your attic insulation up to scratch?
It’s rare that most of us have occasion to look inside our attic space. But as the sun has come out, you may have found that rodents like mice and rats have grown bolder. In their quests for food and shelter, they may have taken up residence in your attic space. Look out for gnawed holes and tunnels in your attic insulation, chewed rafters, droppings, and the distinctive smell of rodent urine.
When rodents take up residence in your attic, not only will you need to dispose of them, you’ll need to contact a company like this one https://www.insulatekansascity.com/attic-insulation/ to rectify your insulation. Otherwise, you could leak a lot of money through your roof this winter.
Will your windows keep you warm?
Most of us have double glazed windows. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re getting the best quality insulation from them. Not only do double glazed windows keep getting more energy-efficient, but you can also expect the seal between the layers of glass on your old windows to erode over time. You may be astonished at how much you could save by changing your windows.
Do your radiators radiate?
Your radiators are instrumental in keeping your home warm in the colder months. But over time, deposits of air can get trapped inside them. This means that they may not get as hot as they used to or develop cold patches on the surface. Bleeding them now will ensure that they work perfectly when winter comes around.
Is your boiler on its last legs?
Finally, your boiler is at the heart of your home’s heating apparatus, but if you’ve had it for over 15 years, it may be starting to give up the ghost. If you notice strange sounds or smells, a pilot light that burns yellow instead of blue or that your home just never seems to get as hot as it used to, your boiler may need some TLC or even a replacement. Dealing with it now can save you a lot of expense and discomfort in the winter months.
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