With temperatures still well into the high twenties, winter probably isn’t on your radar yet. But the best time to prepare is before you need to, and that window opens sooner than you’d think.
Yorkshire winters don’t mess about. Damp, cold and windy from November right through to March, they’ll find every gap in your defences if you haven’t prepared. The good news is that most winter prep jobs are cheap or free, and a few weekends of effort in autumn can save you hundreds in emergency callouts later on.
Here’s what to tackle in September, October and November, so nothing catches you off guard once the temperature drops.
September: Get the Boiler Checked First
The single most important job you can do in September is booking your annual boiler service. Engineers are far less busy before the cold weather rush, so you’ll have an easier time finding a slot and you won’t be paying a premium for it.
A standard service costs between £60 and £120 and covers safety checks, pressure tests and a general inspection of the system. If your boiler is over 10 years old, this service becomes even more critical. An engineer will flag early signs of wear, and if a part needs replacing, you’ll have time to sort it before you’re relying on the heating every day.
If your boiler doesn’t pass the service, September is still early enough to sort a replacement before the real cold sets in. Reputable companies like iHeat can typically fit a new boiler within a day or two, and fixed-price quotes mean you’ll know the cost upfront instead of waiting on an estimate.
While you’re at it, bleed your radiators. If any of them have cold spots at the top, there’s trapped air stopping hot water from circulating properly. You just need a radiator key and a cloth, and it takes about five minutes per radiator.
October: Seal the Gaps and Insulate
October is for draught-proofing. Cold air creeps in through gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and floorboards. A tube of sealant and some self-adhesive draught strips from the hardware shop will cost you under £20, and you’ll notice the difference almost straight away.
Check your loft insulation too. The recommended depth is 270mm. If yours is thin or patchy, topping it up is one of the cheapest ways to cut your heating bills. Rolls of mineral wool insulation are widely available and don’t need a professional to install.
Don’t forget your hot water cylinder, if you have one. Fitting an insulation jacket costs around £15 and can save you £30 to £40 a year on energy. That’s a decent return for ten minutes of work.
November: Lag Your Pipes and Set Your Controls
Now’s the time to lag any exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces like garages, outbuildings and lofts. Foam pipe insulation is cheap and simple to fit. You just cut it to length and wrap it around the pipe. A burst pipe in January will cost far more than the few pounds you’ll spend on lagging now.
Check your thermostat settings too. If you’ve got a programmable thermostat, set the heating to come on about 30 minutes before you wake up and to switch off 30 minutes before you leave. Most households are comfortable at 18 to 21°C, and every degree lower saves roughly 10% on your heating bill.
Finally, make sure you know where your stopcock is and that it turns freely. If a pipe does burst during a freeze, being able to shut off the water supply quickly will limit the damage.
A Few Hours Now, a Lot Less Stress in January
Winter prep doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Most of these jobs take an afternoon, and the materials are all budget-friendly. The trick is spreading the work across three months instead of trying to do everything in a panic when the first frost hits.
Start in September, tick things off as you go, and by the time December rolls around, your home will be ready for whatever Yorkshire throws at it.
