I think everyone will with me agree that despite the wonderfully unexpected sunshine we’ve just had, we are now heading right into winter.

As such I thought I would give you some ideas (with thanks to frugaldad.com) to start preparing you home now, rather than wait until the cold really sets in.

Remember these are just ideas, so think carefully about any other ways you can make your home more energy efficient this winter.

# Compare your fuel provider‘s tariffs. Gas and electricity prices have just gone up by nearly 20% so make some comparisons and switch if necessary.

# Install a thermal insulating blanket for your hot water heater. Hot water heaters are often the least-efficient appliance in your home. This is especially true if your tank is store in an outdoor storage room or garage (as ours is). When temperatures drop the tank has to work extra hard to keep the contents warm. Consider adding a thermal insulating blanket for your hot water heat to insulate the water from surrounding temperatures.

# Upgrade your windows to double glazing. Older, single-pane models allow cold air to more easily seep in and make rooms feel cooler.

# Add insulation to lofts and crawlspaces. Inadequate insulation in attics allows heat to rise up and out of your home, forcing heating systems to work harder to keep your home warm.

# Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically create a heating/cooling schedule for your home. At night you can allow inside temperatures to drop down a bit, but warm things up just before the alarm clock goes off. Similarly, you can allow the temperatures to drop inside your hours when it is empty during the day, but warm things up before you arrive home from work

# Install a carbon monoxide detector. Fireplaces and gas boilers can give off toxic carbon monoxide gases. Follow manufacturer recommendations on placement of monitoring device.

# Install fresh batteries in all smoke alarms. Change the batteries alarms twice a year, around daylight savings time changes. It’s a good idea to periodically test alarms to be sure batteries are still working properly.

# Inspect fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary. Replace any extinguishers older than ten years.

# Insulate water pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures. If water in pipes freeze, chances are the expansion will cause them to burst and you’ll be stuck with a huge bill from a plumber.

# Clean gutters. A clogged gutter can lead water running down the side of the building which can cause damage.

# Drain garden hoses and turn off any outdoor water taps. Remove nozzles or sprayers from the end of garden hoses and be sure to drain any water left in the line.

# Inspect driveways and pathways. Patch cracks with a cement or asphalt kit to prevent water from entering the cracks, freezing, expanding and creating even larger cracks.

# Make sure you have a snow shovel, rock salt, sand and other tools for dealing with snow and ice on your property. It’s too late once it has snowed!

# Bleed the valves on any hot-water radiators. Open slightly until water appears and close again.

# Move potted plants inside, or closer to the home to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. The temperature near your home’s exterior walls will be a little warmer than out further in your yard. It also helps to cover outdoor plants with a sheet to insulate them from sub-freezing temperatures.

# Clean patio furniture and store it away from winter. During high winds, outdoor furniture can be scattered about your yard (and your neighbour’s yard) so look for a place to store it until spring.

Look out for the next post on how to prepare your car…