We know that buying your first home is exciting.
Your hard work and saving finally pay off when you get the keys to your home, but there are still things first time buyers moving in during the colder weather need to be aware of.
Take a read of our tips:
1. Check Your Insulation
When you move into your home you’re probably busy thinking about decor and furniture, you might not immediately think about things like the insulation in the walls and the ceiling, but it is something you shouldn’t forget.
It is important for a new homeowner to have enough insulation in the house because it will protect the structure of your home as well as keep it warm and keep those bills down.
2. Set up your heating
Pretty much any home you move into will have a small heating panel or remote control somewhere in the house which will allow you to set the temperature of your home throughout the day. It is crucial for you if you want to keep the home nice and warm as well as not use too much energy, that you set the heating system up correctly. Make sure that the heating is set low while you aren’t in the house and set it to decent temperatures when you come home.
3. Insulate Your Hot Water Tank
Your hot water tank, if you have one, is a big part of the home and it will help you to enjoy hot showers and baths. It is important to keep this a little warmer so that it takes less energy from the home to heat your water to the desired temperature. You can buy some cheap insulation blankets from DIY stores and wrap this around your tank.
4. Check the meter
One of the first things you should do is check your meters and provide an accurate reading from the date you took over the property so there are no disagreements later on. Checking your meters is something which you won’t necessarily always have to do for yourself, but it is always good to know where your meters actually are for when the meter reader people come to the house. You should have an electrical meter and a gas meter and some houses will also have a water meter. It is important to make sure that the meters are kept safe and dry so that they are able to function correctly.
5. Wrap your pipes
If you live in an area that has pretty harsh winter weather, it is a great idea for you to wrap your water pipes. When the weather is cold outside and below freezing, this might cause the pipes to freeze and this will prevent you from getting any fresh water to the home. They can also burst if they freeze. By covering the pipes in insulation it will ensure that the pipes won’t freeze and you’re kept warm and dry throughout the winter.
Follow these tips and you’re off to a great start in your new home.
