A few quick maintenance tips now can save a lot of hasssle later
As we head into the colder months, it’s time for a little property TLC. Whether you’re a tenant wanting to keep your home warm and dry or a landlord keen to avoid winter call-outs, a few quick checks now can save a lot of hassle (and money) later. We’ve pulled together our top maintenance tips to keep your property warm and dry this winter.
1. Check Your Boiler Before It Gets Cold
Autumn is boiler season and that can mean boiler breakdowns. Heating engineers get incredibly busy at this time of year, so it’s worth checking your system before the temperature drops.
How to check boiler pressure:
1 On most combi boilers, the pressure gauge is a round dial on the front or under the control panel. For older boilers, it’s usually beneath the unit, among the pipework.
2 Ideal pressure: Between 1 and 1.5 bar.
If it’s too low, top it up using the filling loop (usually a small tap or silver hose).
If it’s too high, bleed your radiators carefully when they’re cold to release pressure.
💡 If you’re unsure, you can easily find a video guide for your boiler’s make and model online.
Common winter boiler issue: Frozen condensate pipe
If your boiler suddenly stops working, check the white plastic condensate pipe that runs outside. When temperatures drop, it can freeze, stopping the boiler from firing up.
TOP TIP Wrap a warm (not boiling) hot water bottle around it, or pour over warm water to thaw it. Once defrosted, reset your boiler and turn it back on. It’s one of the simplest fixes we see every winter.
2. Keep Dampness and Condensation Under Control
Condensation and damp are common issues in winter but, left unchecked, they can cause mould, peeling paint, and even health problems such as asthma.
Here’s how to keep things dry and healthy:
- Ventilate daily Open windows for 5–10 minutes or use extractor fans when cooking and showering.
- Use trickle vents These let air circulate without making your home cold.
- Keep rooms warm and consistent Sudden temperature changes create moisture.
- Invest in a dehumidifier They’re energy-efficient, great for drying clothes, and prevent mould.
Did you know? A good dehumidifier costs about the same to run as a lightbulb. Our favourite brand is Meaco (and no, we don’t get commission).
3. Avoid Unwanted Guests (aka Mice)
When the weather turns, little visitors like to move indoors too. To prevent mice:
- Keep food in sealed containers.
- Empty kitchen bins regularly and keep lids on.
- Seal small gaps in walls or skirting boards using steel wool or wire mesh.
NOTE: If you notice mice more than seven days into your tenancy, it’s your responsibility to resolve it but we’re always happy to offer advice or recommend trusted pest control companies.
4. Check Gutters, Drains and Roof Tiles
Fallen leaves can easily block gutters, causing water to back up and damage walls, masonry, or roofs.
- Look up and check for slipped tiles or cracks.
- Remove leaves from gutters and drains.
- Keep outdoor drains clear of debris.
If you spot anything that looks worrying, let us know and we’ll arrange a professional inspection.
5. Be Ready for the Clock Change
Daylight saving time always ends on the last weekend of October. That means clocks go back and you get an extra hour in bed. It’s also a good time to reset your oven clock, test smoke alarms, and check your heating timer settings.
6. Warm Up Your Home the Smart Way
When you first turn on electric or storage heaters – or central heating – you might notice a slightly musty smell. That’s just dust burning off after summer. A quick hoover of the vents before you switch them on will keep things fresh.
If your home feels chilly even with the heating on:
- Bleed radiators for trapped air.
- Close curtains at dusk to keep heat in.
- Use draught excluders under doors.
- Move furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate.
7. Why We Love Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers aren’t glamorous but they’re game-changers for modern living. They reduce damp, prevent mould, and are excellent for drying clothes indoors.
LAUNDRY HACK: Hang clothes on a rack, close the door, and run your dehumidifier overnight. A family-sized wash will be dry by morning for a fraction of the cost of a tumble dryer. You can pick up one for around £50–£100, and they’ll quickly pay for themselves in saved energy.
Chapmans’ Top Winter Maintenance Reminders
Check your boiler and radiators early
Ventilate rooms daily
Clean out gutters and drains
Seal gaps to prevent pests
Invest in a dehumidifier
Test smoke and CO alarms
Report maintenance issues promptly
