How to Keep Your Property Warm During Snow Season
When winter sets in and snow begins to fall across the UK, keeping your property warm becomes more than just a comfort issue – it’s about protecting your home, reducing energy bills, and maintaining property value. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, preparing your property for the cold season is essential.
As estate agents, we often see the impact winter weather can have on homes that aren’t properly prepared – from burst pipes to rising heating costs and damp problems. With that in mind, here is our complete guide to keeping your property warm, efficient, and winter-ready during the UK snow season.
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Good insulation is the backbone of a warm home. Without it, much of your heating simply escapes through the roof, walls, and floors.
Loft Insulation
In the UK, around 25% of heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. Topping up loft insulation to the recommended 270mm can make a noticeable difference and is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
Wall Insulation
If your property has cavity walls, filling them can significantly reduce heat loss. Older homes with solid walls can benefit from internal or external wall insulation, which also improves EPC ratings – something increasingly important to buyers and renters alike.
Floor Insulation
Cold air rising from under floorboards is common in period properties. Adding insulation beneath floors or using thick rugs can help retain warmth.
Estate Agent Tip: Well-insulated homes are not only warmer but also more attractive to buyers and tenants due to lower running costs.
2. Seal Draughts and Stop Heat Escaping
Even the best heating system won’t work efficiently if warm air is escaping through gaps and cracks.
Common Draught Spots:
- Around windows and doors
- Letterboxes and keyholes
- Chimneys
- Skirting boards and floor gaps
Simple draught-proofing strips, brush seals, or chimney balloons can dramatically reduce heat loss and cold drafts – and they’re relatively inexpensive.
3. Upgrade Windows and Curtains
Double or Triple Glazing
If your property still has single-glazed windows, upgrading can transform its warmth and energy efficiency. Double glazing reduces heat loss, cuts down noise, and improves security.
Thermal Curtains
If replacing windows isn’t an option, heavy or thermal-lined curtains are an excellent alternative. Make sure to close them at dusk to trap warmth inside.
4. Service Your Boiler and Heating System
A boiler breakdown in the middle of a snowstorm is every homeowner’s nightmare.
Annual Boiler Servicing
Make sure your boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This ensures efficiency, safety, and reduces the risk of winter breakdowns.
Bleed Your Radiators
If radiators aren’t heating up properly, they may need bleeding to remove trapped air. This simple task can improve heat distribution throughout your home.
Smart Thermostats
Installing a smart thermostat allows you to control heating remotely and more efficiently – perfect for managing costs during cold spells.
5. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter property issues in the UK and can lead to costly repairs.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:
- Insulate external and loft pipes
- Keep the heating on low if you’re away
- Leave cupboard doors open under sinks
- Know where your stopcock is located
Landlord Reminder: Ensuring pipe protection is part of your duty to prevent avoidable damage.
6. Use Heating More Efficiently
Keeping warm doesn’t mean keeping the heating on full blast all day.
Zoning Your Heating
Only heat rooms you’re using and turn down radiators in rarely used spaces.
Layering and Soft Furnishings
Rugs, throws, and cushions help retain heat and add warmth visually and physically – a great tip for home staging during winter viewings too!
7. Improve Your EPC Rating
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) play a vital role in the UK property market, especially for landlords.
A better EPC rating means:
- Lower energy bills
- More attractive to buyers and tenants
- Legal compliance for rental properties
- Increased property value
Upgrades such as insulation, efficient boilers, and double glazing can significantly improve your rating.
8. Consider Renewable Heating Options
For those thinking longer-term, renewable solutions are becoming more popular in UK homes:
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Underfloor heating systems
These options may involve upfront costs but can drastically reduce long-term energy bills and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your property warm during the snow season isn’t just about comfort – it’s about protecting your investment, reducing costs, and maintaining your home’s appeal in the market.
Whether you’re preparing your home for winter, thinking of selling, or renting out your property, making sure it’s energy efficient and winter-ready will always work in your favour.
If you’d like advice on improving your property’s value, EPC rating, or winter-proofing your home before putting it on the market, our team would be happy to help. Give us a call on 0121 681 6327.