Winter starts next week, and we'd like to give you some tips to make sure your home is ready for the colder days!

Outside taps

The outside tap is probably not used in winter. It is therefore a good idea to close this permanently and empty the pipes. Frost can cause the water in the pipe to freeze and expand, causing damage to the pipes. Shutting off the outside tap can often be done in the crawl hatch or in the meter cupboard.

 Sunshades

The sunshades are not resistant to heavy rain and/or wind. Therefore, make sure that they are rolled up at times when the sun is not shining or when no one is at home. This can prevent damage to the sunshade. If the sunshade blows away or if mold develops due to rain, Alvast is not responsible for repairing this. As a resident/entrepreneur, you are responsible for this yourself.

Lubricating hinges

Spraying WD40, for example, on locks and hinges of doors and windows prevents squeaks and creaks. This also provides some extra protection for the material.

Smart use of heating

It is important that the heating is only on when it is really necessary. This can be done easily by, for example, setting a timer on the thermostat. This way, the heating is automatically turned down when it is night and warmed up again when it is time to get up. If the temperature is set 1 day lower than usual, this can already save on the energy bill.

Close curtains

An effective but simple measure is to close the curtains. By closing the curtains when the sun sets, you can ensure that the heat can be kept inside for longer and therefore does not escape through the windows. The thicker the curtains, the more this tip will help. When the sun shines again, it is best to open the curtains again so that the heat of the sun can enter the home.

Light candles

Also by using candles the temperature in the (living)room rises. In addition, buying candles is cheap and it also looks cozy. Do not forget to extinguish the candles when you leave the room due to fire hazard!

Draft roll

Draught excluder, draught excluder, draught sausage… Whatever they are called, they save energy because they keep the cold out and the heat in. These can be placed in front of a door or by a window, for example.

Curtains behind the front door

It used to be very common to have a curtain behind the front door. This is a simple way to tackle a drafty door. This does not have to be expensive, because it can be made in no time with a discounted piece of fabric from the market or a curtain from the thrift store.

Radiator fan

Radiator fans are small smart fans that can be hung on radiators with magnets. The fans blow more warm air from the radiator into the room. This makes it quickly feel nice and warm. The boiler can operate at a lower temperature, which saves a lot of gas. Combine this with radiator foil.