Getting ready for winter is critical to remain healthy throughout the year. Many people in Warrington and beyond dread winter, as the weather gets colder and the amount of sunlight we get is drastically reduced.
With energy prices ever increasing, it can also be a stressful time, as we need to use gas and electricity more and more at the nights draw in.
Still, there is a lot to enjoy about winter in Warrington, particularly if you’re fully prepared for what is to come. Cosy days or evenings by a crackling fire, snug jumpers, and hot drinks are all even more enjoyable during the winter months. The festive season can also add a bright spot to the darker months, giving you something to plan and get excited about.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
A great way to help your home stay warm and save on heating bills is through your home’s insulation. It is a good idea to check that your insulation is still in good condition and do some research to find out if it is worth upgrading before winter hits. Getting your home fully insulated with the latest insulation technology can be invaluable to help you stay warm this winter. You should ensure that you have plenty of insulation in your attic, below floorboards and in wall cavities.
Stay Active
Stay active can feel even more difficult during the winter months, but it can be crucial to help you stay happy and healthy. Not only can being active boost your mood, but it can also keep you warm and ensure you get enough vitamin D while the days are shorter. Consider going for a walk each day around lunchtime so you can soak up as much sun as possible.
Find Some Tasty Warming Winter Recipes
The food we eat throughout winter can also be great to help us keep warm. It may be harder to find the energy to cook a whole meal from scratch, particularly if the lack of sunlight affects your mood. Many people turn to unhealthy options like takeout and junk food, but this can only further lower your mood.
Simple but hearty winter dishes can make all the difference, and many are simple to prepare. Consider investing in a slow cooker, where all you need to do is chop up some veggies and meat or other protein, add them and some herbs in and set them off to cook for the day.
Get Your Boiler Serviced
You’ll need the peace of mind that your heating system is working as it should be, well before winter hits. It is best to get your boiler services sometime in September or October, just as the temperature begins to drop. This will ensure there is time to get your boiler repaired or replaced if needed before the weather gets truly chilly.
Make Sure Your Car Is Ready
Driving in the winter can be another obstacle for Warrington residents, particularly those who live out in the countryside and may not get as many visits from gritters as city dwellers. Getting your car serviced can be invaluable to ensure it is ready for the winter and can get you where you need to go safely throughout. It may also help to look into winter tyres, which can improve safety in case of snow and ice.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
With winter comes the use of a wide range of electrical and gas-powered appliances to help light and heat your home. With this added use can come the risk of fire, so it is important to ensure that your smoke alarms are working correctly. These should be tested every month or so, and if the battery alarm begins to sound, they should be replaced immediately.
Be Smart With Your Electricity Use
Winter can be expensive as it is without worrying about the rising energy costs hitting households in Warrington and throughout the UK. Finding ways to reduce energy use will be great for your wallet and the environment. There are many things you can do to keep your electricity use to a minimum without compromising your quality of living during the winter. Take a look at the Federation of Master Builders’ excellent guide on how to save electricity for the best advice.
Talk To Your Neighbours
Getting help from neighbours can be a great way to prepare for the winter, and knowing you have someone to turn to if you need help can be invaluable. This is particularly beneficial for the older generation or those with medical concerns. Likewise, it is a good idea to check in on your neighbours too, if you can, so that you can support each other.
Check Your Winter Wardrobe
You’ll likely already have everything you need for winter in your wardrobe, but it is still a good idea to give everything an airing out and check it is in good condition. If you live in an area regularly affected by snow or ice, ensuring you have quality winter boots with good treads in excellent condition can be invaluable. It is also a good idea to check winter clothes for any damage that could occur throughout the year and replace anything that looks a bit worse for wear.
Keep An Eye On The Weather
Keeping one eye on the weather is vital during the winter months and can help you prepare in good time for any adverse weather on the horizon. Consider installing a weather app on your phone and checking the daily and weekly forecast each morning.
If there are warnings of adverse weather in your area, ensure you prepare appropriately by getting plenty of non-perishable food in, working from home where possible, and ensuring you have sandbags, candles and other household emergency items as needed.
Get A Flu Jab If You’re Eligible
The flu can turn a gloomy winter truly miserable, so taking up the free flu jab can be invaluable. Not everyone is entitled to the jab, but if you are, it can help make a massive difference to your peace of mind and enjoyment of the winter months. You can check with on the NHS website to see if you’re eligible and get the jab from a range of places, including supermarket and high street pharmacies.
Wrap Up Your Outer Pipes
Frozen pipes are a major issue to contend with during winter, so wrapping them up well before the weather turns can be a great way to protect them. You can find insulated wrapping at any DIY shop, which is a simple matter of cutting it to size and wrapping the pipes. If you have pipes in a hard-to-reach area, it may help to hire a handy person to do the work for you.
Look Out For Damage To Windows
Your home’s windows are an effective defence against adverse weather and can help you stay warm, safe and comfortable at home. Any issues with your windows should be resolved as soon as possible, particularly going into winter. Cracks, warping and other damage to windows can cause drafts and make it easier for your windows to be breached by bad weather.
You should regularly check your windows to ensure they are sealed correctly. A good way to check if there is a draft coming from one of your windows is by setting a lit candle on the sill. If it flickers excessively or blows out entirely, it may be time to replace your window.
