Assetsure News 20th September 2007

Homeowners Advised - Be prepared for Winter

There is definitely a chill in the air, this week has seen many households up and down the country turning on the central heating system for the first time. There is really an autumnal feel in the air now and many insurers and agencies are sending out the message to their policyholders be prepared for what will possibly be a very cold winter.

Up until recently, any message to make ready for winter has generally applied to more northerly latitudes but in the past years, because of climate change many areas of France and Spain and also experiencing some fairly chilly winters and there have been a number of burst pipe claims. Insurers of holiday homes have been quick to point out that any property that is left unoccupied for an length of time is obviously more at risk than a main residence and steps should be taken to guard against claims during the winter months. For many people with a holiday home, particularly in Spain, the thought of draining down the water system and lagging the pipes seems an odd concept, but climatically these are odd times.

Highhouse, an intermediary covering properties at home and overseas property advise the following is good plan of action to put in place for any type of residential home. As well as helping guard your property against potential damage, you will be helping to conserve energy. The average household in the UK wastes £250 a year by not being energy efficient. Insulation and glazing are two key areas where heat loss is greatest and nearly 50% of all heat loss in the average home is through the loft space and walls. There is very much a national focus on energy saving at the moment and some simple alterations to the home can really help.

Most houses lose 25% of their heat through the windows, around 20% through ventilation and draughts and around 20% through poorly insulated window frames and single glazing.

Check your central heating system as early in to the autumn as possible, it is surprising the number of people who discover that when their system has been off for a period of time, difficulties arise with re-ignition. Already this week many people are spending chilly nights with no heating. An annual service on a homes central heating system is advisable, it also will make sure you have no carbon monoxide leaks, a deadly gas that is both colourless and odour less.
Fit draught-proofing, this will help seal gaps around windows and doors and prevent heat lost Install or replace lost insulation, it is surprising the amount of heat that is lost through the roof.
Lag your hot water cylinder and pipes, including those in your loft.
Make sure all your gutters and water waste pipes are kept clear of autumns falling leaves If you property is unattended, arrange for someone to visit it on a regular basis, thus any potential problems can be spotted in good time.
If your property is left unattended for quite some time, it will be likely to suffer a claim from burst pipes, as well as lagging the pipes, you may consider keeping the central heating on to help prevent pipes from freezing. If you do consider this course of action, remember to keep the loft hatch open, pipe work in the loft will then benefit from the rising heat.