Park Home Winter Maintenance

As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, it’s an ideal time to prepare your park home for the colder months ahead. While you may have already started making some preparations, winter brings its own set of challenges for park homes. With every side of your home exposed to the elements, careful planning can help you keep your park home warm and well-maintained throughout the season. While park homes are built to be energy-efficient, proper winter maintenance could reduce the risk of damage and help maintain the comfort and safety of your home.

Here are a few suggestions that may benefit you as you prepare your park home for winter.

  1. Get your boiler checked

Your boiler is essential for keeping your park home warm during winter, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good working order. You may want to have your boiler serviced before the cold weather hits, as this can help prevent breakdowns and avoid potentially costly repairs. A poorly maintained boiler can also leak carbon monoxide, so regular checks are a key safety precaution.

Servicing your boiler may improve its efficiency, reducing wasted energy and saving you money in the long run. If your boiler hasn’t been serviced in a while, consider booking an appointment with a certified professional to ensure everything is working as it should be.

  1. Keep your pipes warm

Frozen pipes are a common problem during winter, and they can lead to bursts and significant water damage. To prevent this, you may want to insulate your pipes to keep them warm. Insulating pipes can help reduce the risk of freezing and bursting, as well as limit the amount of heat lost through the pipes.

Additionally, you could keep your central heating on a low setting when you’re not home. Even a low heat can prevent pipes from freezing during a cold snap. If you’re planning to be away for an extended period you will need to drain down your water system as a precaution and condition of your park home insurance. Find out more here: https://www.parkhomeassist.co.uk/park-home-insurance/general-insurance-tips-advice 

  1. Bleed your radiators

You might find that your radiators are colder at the top than at the bottom, which can be a sign that air is trapped inside. If this is the case, you could benefit from bleeding your radiators to release the air. Bleeding your radiators allows the heat to circulate more effectively, increasing their efficiency and helping to keep your home warm.

Regularly checking and bleeding your radiators before the cold weather sets in could make a noticeable difference in the warmth of your home and may help lower your energy bills.

  1. Stop draughts

Keeping your home warm in winter starts with ensuring it’s properly insulated. Cold air can creep in through small gaps, so if you feel a draught, you might want to take action right away. Sealing gaps around your windows and doors can help to lock in the heat. It could also be worth checking other areas of your home, such as vents or skirting, to make sure there aren’t any other sources of unwanted cold air.

It’s a good idea to maintain some level of ventilation, as completely sealing up your home could lead to condensation or damp. Finding a balance between stopping draughts and maintaining airflow could help keep your home warm without creating moisture problems.

  1. Trim trees and check guttering

Winter weather can be harsh on the exterior of your park home, so it’s worth taking some time to prepare. One step to consider is trimming back any trees or branches near your home. This can reduce the amount of debris that falls into your gutters, as well as prevent branches from damaging your home during storms or high winds.

Also, check your gutters and drains for blockages, as fallen leaves and debris can accumulate during autumn. Blocked gutters can lead to water overflowing, which could cause leaks and water damage to your home. Keeping your gutters and drains clear might help prevent these problems.

  1. Check vents and skirting

Good airflow is essential for preventing damp and mould, so check that your park home’s vents are clear and unobstructed. Blocked vents can trap moisture inside your home, which could lead to condensation issues. Ensuring the vents are clear may improve air circulation, helping to keep your home dry.

It’s also worth checking the skirting around your park home to ensure it’s securely fastened. Loose or damaged skirting can let in cold air, reducing the efficiency of your heating system.

  1. Review your park home insurance

Park home insurance is designed to protect your property from unforeseen events, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations of your policy. Many insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by poor maintenance, so taking steps to properly maintain your park home may help prevent issues that might not be covered.

Check your insurance policy to ensure you’re aware of the terms and conditions, especially regarding escape of water and the steps required to prevent water damage. For example, keeping your heating on low or draining your water system when you’re away can be important in preventing frozen pipes and subsequent damage.

  1. Prevent escape of water

Water leaks are a significant risk during winter, particularly if you’re away from your park home for an extended period. Frozen pipes can burst, causing extensive damage. One way to reduce this risk is to keep your heating on a low setting while you’re away. If you prefer to turn off the heating, you’ll need to drain your water system to prevent pipes from freezing.

Additionally, it’s worth checking the seals around your sinks, baths, and showers, as worn seals can allow water to escape and cause damage. Regularly inspecting your home for any signs of water leakage, such as damp patches or mould, may help you catch issues early before they become more serious.

  1. Drain down your water system

If you plan to leave your park home empty for more than 48 hours during the winter, you will need to drain the water system as a precaution, unless the heating is left on. This can help prevent freezing and reduce the risk of water damage. Draining your water system involves turning off the water supply, running taps until the water stops, and emptying any water cylinders or pipes.

For homes with a sealed heating system containing antifreeze, you may not need to drain the system, but it may be beneficial to check the antifreeze levels before winter.

For more information about requirements of your park home insurance when leaving your home unoccupied during winter see our general insurance tips and advice.

By taking these steps, you’ll help to keep your park home warm and comfortable during the winter. A little preparation now could go a long way in keeping your home free from potential damage, allowing you to enjoy the colder months with peace of mind.

This is a marketing article from multi-award-winning Park Home Assist.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

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Published – 22/11/24