Thrive and Save

Tips for preparing for winter.

The home

• Check your heating system. It’s a good idea to get a service for your boilers or fireplaces before the cold sets in.
• Radiators – Feel the top and bottom. If the top stays cold while the bottom warms up, that means air pockets are blocking the heat. Get a radiator bleed key. It’s a small tool like a square key. Fit it into the valve at the top end. Turn it slowly until water drips out. Wipe dry and close it. That should fix the issue.
• Clean chimneys and fireplaces. Over time, ash piles up, so hire a sweep or do it yourself with care.
• Put an extra blanket on your bed and sofa to keep you warm without turning the heating up.
• Seal up any drafts by using weather stripping or caulk around windows and doors to keep heat in.
• Insulate pipes that are exposed. Wrapping foam pipe insulation helps to keep them warm and not to burst and flooding during cold weather.
• To help keep heat inside, cover your windows with thick, thermal curtains. Closing the curtains at night can help keep cold air outside and warm air in.
• If you have floor-length curtains, ideally, you would want them open if a radiator is underneath the window, because the heat from the radiator will be trapped. Or they are slightly longer than the radiator, try to tuck them behind the radiator.
• Consider wrapping windows in a window shrink film insulator kit. Adding clear plastic films to windows will protect against the cold. Some people use bubble wrap on windows that they don’t need to look out of. Make sure the bubble side faces the windows.
• Make sure you have plenty of warm winter clothes.
• Stock up on kitchen essentials and non-perishable food.
• Prepare an emergency kit in case of winter storms.

Your vehicle

• Look over your tyres and put on winter tyres, or make sure all-season tyres have a good tread. Make sure the tread depth is at least 3mm for safety, going up to 4mm for winter weather.
• Inspect fluids and make sure your antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil are full.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car and include blankets, a torch, batteries, jumper cables, snacks, water and a first-aid kit.
• Make sure wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they streak.

 Health and safety

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if needed.
• Get your annual flu shots and other recommended vaccines to help you stay healthy.
• Keep cold and flu remedies, pain relievers, and prescriptions on hand.
• Dress for the weather. Layer your clothing, wear insulated footwear, gloves, and hats to trap your body heat.
• Stay active and exercise indoors or outdoors to maintain physical and mental health.

 Manage finances

• Plan for higher bills. Budget for increased heating and electricity costs. By paying a little more in summer, you could have a pot of money to use in winter.
• Winterise efficiently: Use programmable thermostats and energy-efficient curtains to save money.

Mentally and emotionally

• Create a cosy environment, add warm lighting, blankets, and nice scents.
• Plan indoor activities like reading, cooking, or start a new hobby to stay engaged.
• Make sure to stay connected and keep in touch with friends and family to avoid feeling isolated.

Outdoor maintenance

• Stock up on outdoor supplies.  Have salt, sand, and snow shovels ready before the snow hits.
• Drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor water taps. If water freezes inside, it can burst your pipes.
• If possible, inspect your roof and gutters and clear out any debris to prevent ice buildup and leaks.