Get your home Autumn ready with these money and stress saving tips

The weather is getting darker and colder so it might be time to have a think about getting your home Autumn ready.

September 22 signalled the start of the new season and with that comes worse weather, although the summer wasn’t particularly kind.

With falling leaves and falling temperatures, there are likely to be some jobs needed around the house to make sure you’re not shelling out more money than you need.

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The weather is getting darker and colder so it might be time to have a think about getting your home Autumn ready. Pic: Getty Images

Then comes, stress — plenty of us will know what it feels like to have to deal with a broken down boiler or blocked weather drain.

To avoid all of those issues Nima Ghasri, who is the Director at regulated property buyers, Good Move, has provided some of her best tips to avoid an autumn disaster.

Clear gutters and drains

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Nima says: ‘It is nobody’s favourite job, but maintaining your gutters and drains is an essential part of getting your home ready for autumn and winter. Pic: Getty Images

Nima says: ‘It is nobody’s favourite job, but maintaining your gutters and drains is an essential part of getting your home ready for autumn and winter.

‘Check for obvious cracks or damage and make time to clear your gutters of debris like leaves, moss, and mud before the wet and windy months start.

‘Autumn leaves are lovely to look at, but they can easily cause a blockage – and come heavy rain or snow, you risk leaks or even greater damage if water cannot drain away from your house.’

Protect your pipes with insulation

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This does cost you a small amount of money, but it’s better than paying to rectify a disaster afterward. Pic: Getty Images

This does cost you a small amount of money, but it’s better than paying to rectify a disaster afterward.

Speaking of insulating the pipes, Nima explained: ‘Lagging simply refers to foam insulation tubes, which are inexpensive to buy and easy to install – just slip the foam tubing over external pipes (particularly plastic pipes) to reduce heat loss from your system.

‘This will make your heating more efficient, helping you to save on energy bills – and lagging will also protect your pipes from freezing and bursting in cold weather.’

Check your roof and chimney

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A roof crashing in from heavy rain or a serious fire from a blocked chimney would not be ideal for anyone, anywhere, at any time. Pic: Getty Images

A roof crashing in from heavy rain or a serious fire from a blocked chimney would not be ideal for anyone, anywhere, at any time.

The home expert recommends: ‘Even if everything seems fine now, all it takes is a heavy snowfall or a bad spell of wind and rain to dislodge tiles or mortar, allowing draughts and water to sneak into your home.

‘Save yourself some stress come winter – check that your tiles are still firmly in place and that any flashing and pointing is still in good condition, or get a roofer to have a look if you don’t have easy access.’

Winter-proof your windows

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If you have older windows, don’t panic! There is no need to replace the windows, but it might be something for the longer term. Pic: Getty Images

If you have older windows, don’t panic! There is no need to replace the windows, but it might be something for the longer term.

Nima says: ‘If you have wooden window frames or windowsills, they might need a little bit more care and attention during autumn and winter.

‘Wet weather and freezing temperatures can make untreated wood expand and even rot, so ahead of time, make sure you fill in any cracks, check that any sealant is still firmly in place and holding a good seal, and top up any paint if needed.’

Get your boiler serviced

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This is among one of the most expensive steps you may need to take, but it may be worth your while in the long run as late autumn and eventually winter without heat and hot water will not be favourable. Pic: Getty Images

This is among one of the most expensive steps you may need to take, but it may be worth your while in the long run as late autumn and eventually winter without heat and hot water will not be favourable.

Nima explained: ‘n the colder months you may struggle to find someone who can fix your boiler right away – and you may also end up paying more due to out of hours rates or emergency callout prices.

‘Even if you have cover for your boiler, most policies may not pay out if your heating system has not been properly maintained – so get your boiler serviced now and enjoy a cosy autumn with fully-functional heating.’