Winter is coming! Home building services checklist for a warm and safe home

Winter is approaching, but will it be mild or will it bring severe frosts and snowstorms? Even within a week, winter days may not be the same: one day it may be plus one day, while the next it's freezing. Weather variations can put your building services to the test, but careful preparation can help you avoid damage to your property and unnecessary costs. 

In this blog post, we provide practical tips on how to prepare for winter and avoid the most common winter weather problems. 24 Center's network of skilled professionals will help you both prevent damage and deal with it when it happens. Remember, you can always contact our customer service team if you have any questions about building services.

Protect water pipes from freezing 

One of the most common contacts with the 24 Center during the winter months is frozen water pipes. Especially in older houses, the risk of freezing water pipes is higher than in new houses. However, you can prevent pipes from freezing. As a durable solution, pipe insulation helps to keep temperature fluctuations to a minimum.

However, if the pipes freeze, avoid defrosting them yourself. Uncontrolled thawing can break pipes and cause water damage. Contact us and we'll send a professional to your home quickly to ensure safe thawing and help prevent damage.

Read more about how you can prevent pipes from freezing in winter frosts. 

Service heating systems and air source heat pump

Check that the heating systems are in good working order. Has the fireplace been serviced, are the boilers and heat pumps working properly, and are the thermostats working correctly? Also check when you last changed the ventilation filters and whether the system needs to be winterised.

Do you own an air source heat pump? You can also use it to support your heating. In private homes, an air-source heat pump can bring significant savings in energy costs. The highest quality units work perfectly even at temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius.

An air-source heat pump works most efficiently when it is serviced regularly. Late autumn is an excellent time to clean the unit, as the summer pollen seasons are behind us. After the autumn storms, it's also a good idea to check that there are no loose debris or leaves accumulated in the outdoor unit.

Learn more about air source heat pump maintenance and purchase. 24 Center can help you with your air source heat pump purchase, maintenance and removal.

Check the seals on windows and doors

Before winter, check carefully that the insulation on your windows and doors is in good condition. Seal windows, doors and other places where heat can escape. This prevents heat escaping and improves the energy efficiency of your home.

The cheapest way to find draughts is to use the back of your hand: hold your hand on the edge of the window and feel if cold air is coming in. If you feel a cool flow, the window will draft.

It is worth investing in additional insulation, as this investment can pay for itself in savings on heating costs. Also check the condition of the insulating glass: it should be replaced when it starts to grey.

24 Center's on-call customer service will help you with your window challenges. Learn more about our urgent and non-urgent glass service: https://24center.fi/lasipaivystys/

Protect door lock faces from moisture and freezing

The best way to prevent a lock from freezing is to protect it so that no moisture or debris can accumulate in the lock face. In addition, make sure that the environment around the front door protects the lock. If necessary, you can install a small canopy around the lock to provide protection.

The lock should be regularly maintained: lubricate it before the frost season and increase the protection by lubricating the lock a couple of times during the winter. Keys should also be serviced and lubricated regularly. Keeping them warm, for example in a pocket, makes it easier to open the door in winter.

If a lock or key breaks, you need to call a locksmith quickly. Our network of on-call locksmiths are ready to help you with all your security needs, from door opening to major renovations. These can include upgrading a mechanical lock to an electronic locking system. 

Discover our versatile locksmith services. 

Choose energy-efficient lighting 

As the torrential rains approach, the need for additional light increases significantly. Choosing energy-efficient lights will save you energy and money in the long term, and reduce your impact on the environment. When buying lighting or electrical appliances, check their energy efficiency rating. For best results, choose an A-rated appliance. Tukes monitors compliance with energy efficiency ratings.

Be sure to also check your yard lighting and update your outdoor lighting sockets. 24 Center can help you with both outdoor and indoor lighting electrical work.

Protect electric vehicle charging points

Protect the charging point of your electric vehicle with snow, moisture and ice protection. You can easily protect the charging point by putting a hood over it or, as a quick solution, a protective bag. Without protection, the charging point and cables can be damaged and the risk of electric shock increases.

We work together with the importer Scanoffice. We offer high quality electric vehicle charging systems designed to withstand Finland's varying weather conditions. You can order both the equipment and its installation from us. 

Read more about charging your electric car at home.

Remember to take advantage of the household allowance

When you hire a professional to carry out maintenance and installation work in your home, remember to take advantage of the household tax deduction granted by the tax authorities. You can easily calculate the amount of the household allowance using our calculator

24 Center to help you with your building services work

24 Center is there to help you with your building services when preparing your property for winter. You can easily book a professional by calling, emailing or filling in an order form. If you encounter any surprises or don't know how to proceed, contact our friendly customer service team. We will help you and send a professional to assist you if necessary.

We offer fast, high-quality assistance for both urgent emergencies and unhurried everyday tasks. From our extensive network of contractors, you'll find the best professionals in your area: plumbers, electricians, locksmiths and vacuum truck services. All it takes is one call: 0100 2470. You can also place a non-urgent order using the contact form.

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