5 tips to get your home hibernation ready for winter

AA Home handyman can help

The days are getting shorter. The nights are cooling down. What do you need to do to get your home ready before the chilly season really kicks in?

Here are our top five areas to focus on when winter-proofing your home. 

1. Heat pump and air conditioning servicing

Regular servicing is vital to maintain peak performance and longevity of your heat pump and air conditioning units. Did you know that if you don’t remove airborne dirt and dust your power consumption could skyrocket by up to 35%? That’s huge, especially considering your heat pump will be working overtime this winter.

Before winter arrives, do a quick check of your filters and see if they’re dusty and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.

2. Gutter cleaning

If you have deciduous trees on your property, you’ll know just how much autumn leaf residue can clog up your gutters. But any sort of organic build up can cause blockages and potential for flooding during winter storms.

You can spot gutter issues early without having to climb a ladder. After heavy rain, look for water spilling over the edges or pooling near your home’s foundations.

If your gutters do need to be cleaned and you’re not confident with heights, there’s no need to risk life and limb up a ladder. Book a service with AA Home and leave it to the experts. They’ll remove debris, flush downpipes and ensure rainwater is directed away from your home’s walls and foundations.

3. Garden maintenance

From pruning trees and clearing fallen leaves, to cutting back perennials and tending to soil health, a few simple tasks now can save headaches later. You’ll be glad you took care of that unruly foliage when the first windy winter storm hits. Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry, our garden team will ensure your garden is equipped to withstand whatever weather the season throws at us.

4. Doors and windows maintenance

As we all know, a healthy home is a warm, dry and draught-free one, so once you have sorted your heating, it’s time to pay some attention to your windows and doors. You can easily check to see if you’ve got any draughts by running your hand around door and window frames. Or you can tape a strip of tissue to a stick and move it around suspected areas – the tissue will flutter in the draught.

If you do notice a draught, temporary sealing tape or a draught stopper can make a big difference, but if gaps are persistent or if your door or window frames are damaged it may be time for a more permanent fix.

5. Property maintenance checks

Got a long to-do list and not sure where to start? A Property Maintenance Check is a great first step, providing a detailed inspection of your home, outbuildings, fencing and garage. Foundations and exterior in good shape? Tick. Subfloor and wall linings? Tick. Electrics, sewer and hot water systems? Tick, tick, tick! When you identify potential issues early you can avoid costly headaches down the track and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from protecting your greatest asset.

Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Tackle these essential jobs now and you’ll be rewarded with a home that’s warm, comfortable and ready for whatever the season brings.

From heat pump servicing to building inspections and everything in between, AA Home can help take the hassle out of home maintenance and repairs. Book a job with us today and make sure you have a worry-free winter.