Winter House Health Check

Winter is a time where your house is put under a lot of strain; think harsh winds, cold temperatures and perpetual downfalls.

So make sure your home is safe this season by following this simple winter house health check.

Fire Safety

More than 40% of all deaths from fires happen during winter, according to Fire and Rescue NSW, so it is imperative you stay vigilant. Don’t leave heaters where people or pets can knock them over, and never leave an open flame unattended. Keep clothes, curtains, bedding and any other type of fabric at least one metre away from heaters or fireplaces, and whilst is can be tempting, never place clothes or towels on your heater. Install smoke alarms around your home, test them monthly and change their batteries yearly.

Fireplaces

Make sure the chimney is clean and not blocked. Always have a fire safety screen in front of the fireplace when in use and never burn plastic, foam or wood that is painted or treated.

Heaters

Have your gas heater serviced by a licensed gas fitter and look out for signs something is wrong, such as yellow flames, unusual smells, noisy or inoperable fans and difficulty lighting it. It’s also important to make sure the flue outlet is not blocked as this can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to escape into your home. For electric heaters look out for damage in the form of rusted reflectors and damaged power cords, and always hire an electrician to do repairs.

Electric Blankets

When taking your electric blanket out of storage, lay it flat on the bed and check for hot spots when using it for the first time. Also check the Recalls Australia website, as 400,000 potentially faulty electric blankets were recalled in 2012. Faulty electric blankets can overheat, cause an electric shock, spark and potentially cause a fire. Once winter is over roll your blanket up to store it, as folding it can cause damage to the electrical wires.

Leakages

Leaves and debris can often block your gutters and downpipes, leading to leaks. This coupled with loose roof tiles and water damage on eaves and overhangs can be a sign there is a problem and your roof should be checked. Another telltale sign of roof leaks is if the top floor’s ceiling or attic is discoloured or has soft spots.

Once you’ve covered all that off, do a thorough check of your home for any draft spots and seal them up. This will help keep more heat inside in the cooler months and should help heat your home more efficiently.

(source: Realestate.com.au)