When you think of your home during winter, you may think of cosy blankets, festive décor and roast dinners in the oven, but it’s also worth considering how winter regulars like snow, ice and storms could cause damage to your home.

The darker, colder days generally lead to a spike in insurance claims as well as heating and electricity bills. So, let’s look at some ways to protect your home during the winter months.

• Keep your heating on a consistent low heat to prevent pipes freezing – this will help your boiler to run more efficiently. Only turn it up when you’re at home.

•  Bleed your radiators to let air escape from time to time – this can help keep the water circulating properly and keeps your home warm.

• Around one third of all heat escapes through walls, so make sure your walls and loft are properly insulated.

• Seal any gaps around windows and doors that are letting in air with weather-stripping or caulk.

• If you have a working fireplace, you can ask a professional to come and inspect it, to make sure it’s fully functioning. This will help prevent draughts and debris. 

• Remove carpet, furniture and electricals from around the pipe to avoid any additional damage or costs if the pipe bursts.
• Open the tap closest to the part of the pipe which has frozen. This will allow water to flow more easily once it’s melted.
• You can thaw the ice in the pipe with household items like a hot towel or hair dryer but remember to keep electricals away from any water.