As the cold, wet, winter months draw in, it’s important to take extra care to ensure your property remains in good condition. Tay Letting is here to help to ensure your home is well-maintained, whatever the weather.
With the cost-of-living crisis making winter tougher for everyone this year, these simple checks can ensure your home is as efficient as possible, while saving you money.
Should you have any questions or concerns about your property, please get in touch with us and our friendly team will be happy to help.
Here are some steps we recommend all tenants take in preparation for winter.
Maintain your boiler for winter
During winter, it’s important to check your boiler pressure, making sure it’s in the green to avoid a cold shower. Checking your boiler pressure is a simple, five-minute job which could save you the hassle of further boiler trouble. However, if you’re not sure how to check and maintain the correct boiler temperature, we recommend calling your letting agent as playing with the wrong dials could lead to an issue.
If the boiler pressure is dropping frequently, it’s likely there’s a further issue which a gas engineer will need to investigate. If this is the case, please get in touch with your letting agent so that we can advise on a swift resolution. You should be topping up your pressure a few times per year.
Check your radiators for winter, it could save you money
It’s crucial to ensure all radiators within your property are functioning well. If a radiator is cold at the top but hot at the bottom, this indicates air pockets need to be released from the radiator through ‘bleeding’.
If a radiator is hot at the top but cold at the bottom, there could be a build-up of residue inside the radiator which will need the attention of a contractor. It’s also important to make sure your radiators are on, at least some of the time, throughout winter as this prevents dampness and allows your property to properly heat up.
There are certain times of the day that are more cost-effective to heat your home if you are worried about heating your home this winter. And if you are a Tay Letting tenant, always remember that if you are worried that you won’t be able to pay your rent in full you should get in touch with us as soon as possible. We can help you to make a plan to resolve any payment issues.
How to avoid mould and damp over winter
Staying on top of dampness inside your property is very important as it can be a difficult problem to resolve once it’s there. Additionally, mould and damp can have an adverse effect on your health. However, there are many precautions that you can take to ensure dampness doesn’t become an issue in your home.
Ventilate the property regularly by opening the windows up to let air through (and let moisture out). It’s key to open your windows daily to ensure there is a flow of fresh air in your property. You should also dry any condensation up immediately, such as when you wake up.
Another way to avoid damp is to check behind larger items of furniture to make sure there’s enough airflow like large wardrobes or drawers. It’s a good idea to ensure that large items aren’t against external walls – as these tend to cause the most issues with dampness and mould.
Additionally, check on any plants to make sure that leaves are not wet and developing into mould. If you think you have damp or mould within your property, ensure you contact your letting agent right away.
Leaving your property over the festive season
Should you be leaving your property for any significant period of time, it’s a good idea to invite someone you trust locally to check in on your property to ensure there are no leaks or damp areas. The cold winter weather can speed up any damp issues – so it’s wise to ensure your property is still in good order while you’re not home. Remember, you should only give people you trust with your keys such as close family and friends.
Report issues when they arise
Should any issues with your home arise, you must report them to Tay Letting as soon as possible. This ensures a swift solution, keeping your home ready for winter.
In the event of an emergency, head to our website to find the number of a suitable emergency contractor.
Please be advised that the Emergency Contractor numbers should only be called in the case of a genuine emergency and that you may be liable for any costs incurred if there is not an imminent risk to:-
- Health & safety
- The structure of the building; or The security of the property
If you have any further questions about getting your property ready for winter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your letting agent.
