Preparing your home for winter: 10 tips

Winter is on its way. Now's the time to get your home ready for the cold season, to avoid the small and big problems that winter weather can cause.
Here are a few tips...

10 tips to prepare your home for winter

1. Trees and leaves: Make sure to clean out and unclog gutters and drainpipes, which can get blocked by falling dead leaves. On this topic, there are grilles or filters available in shops that stop leaves from getting into the pipes. Inspect the trees overhanging or near your house: autumn or winter storms could bring down branches that risk damaging your roof or your house. Conifer branches loaded with snow can easily bend and break.
2. Water pipes: Remember to shut off and drain any outdoor water pipes before the first frosts, and insulate pipes both indoors and outdoors.
3. Heating oil reserve: Check how much heating oil you have left so you can order more with enough lead time.
4. Heating: Have your heating system checked and serviced. Servicing an oil-fired system is mandatory every year. For gas systems, the rules are set at the regional level: servicing must be done every 3 years in Brussels or Wallonia, and every 2 years if you live in Flanders. See our article on servicing your heating system on this topic.
5. Radiators: Don't forget to (have someone) bleed your radiators.
6. Chimney: Have your chimney swept. Chimney maintenance is part of servicing your heating system. Sweeping will also be necessary if you heat with wood. This will help you avoid any risk of a chimney fire or poisoning.
7. Poisoning: Check the condition of your smoke detectors and CO detectors (carbon monoxide), and see whether it's time to replace the batteries.
8. Fresh air: Make sure to ventilate your home regularly, even in cold weather. You'll stay healthier if you live in a home where the air is regularly refreshed. It's also easier to heat a room where the air is cleaner and less humid. Tip: open a window for a few minutes every day to let in fresh air.
9. Burglaries: As it gets dark very early, autumn and winter are prime seasons for burglaries. Don't make it easy to access your home when you're away, and don't tempt thieves by leaving valuables visible from outside.
10. Outdoor access: Make sure you have a small supply of salt/grit to clear the way to your house (and your pavement) in case you're caught out by the first snowfall.

And what if something breaks down at the worst possible moment?

Despite taking every precaution, no one is immune to a heating, water heater or electrical system breakdown.
Do you know who to call, 24/7, in that case?
Did you know that Redion has a "House Assist" service that can help you?
Find out more by reading the article "Home assistance for immediate emergency help" or by clicking here.

First published: 10/2014 - Updated 10/2020