The winter chill is well and truly on the horizon. and with daylight savings ending over the past month, it’s certainly time to think about bunkering down and preparing for another chilly winter. 

Whilst brisk evenings are nothing new for locals, early weather predictions are currently forecasting some frost evenings ahead. Yes, it can seem like a mammoth task to get your property prepared for winter every year with so many different aspects to attend to.

So to make sure you’re prepared for anything, here are some handy tips, tricks, and reminders that’ll soothe the sting of the season and keep your household running as usual.

What to anticipate this winter

The consistent wind paired with the cooler temperatures can mean a heightened risk of fallen trees. As the area has been experiencing a dry spell, many gum trees are already dealing with decreased hydration. In addition to damaging winds, the chances of morning frost are also increased for Warragul this year, with morning commuters being advised to prepare for defrosting car windshields.
 

Plumbing maintenance musts

Now let’s focus on how to prepare your home for the winter. The primary concern with winter weather for homeowners is keeping your property free from moisture damage. This includes inspecting your roof tiling, clearing out rain gutters, and making sure your plumbing system is prepared for the season. Even with preliminary preparation, these measures can still falter due to adverse weather conditions – all it takes is one damaging storm to break some roof tiles and let rainwater seep into your ceiling cavity.

So be sure to keep your emergency contacts list up-to-date in anticipation of the season. This list should include your local emergency services, plus local 24/7 electricians and most importantly emergency plumbers. 

Naturally, keeping your space well insulated is also key for combatting moisture damage. Ensure all the sealings on your windows and doors are not faulty and inviting in a draft. Using door snakes is also a good, cost effective way to assist in draft reduction from the outside, or even in-between rooms within your home. 

Insulated pipes are another great way to keep your household (and your water) running in the winter. By making sure your pipes are well insulated, you can minimise the risk of drainage issues and avoid a nasty repair cost. We recommend booking pipe maintenance with your plumbers as promptly as possible in autumn to ensure that your system is prepared with time to spare in the leadup to winter.

Home heating and cooling preparation

Then there’s your household heating and cooling system maintenance. With the winter chills and heavy rainfall making outdoor living all but impossible, you can always expect to rely heavily on your home HVAC systems over the season. So it makes sense to ensure they’re in good working order before the winter weather arrives.

Thankfully, all you’ll need to do here is book servicing appointments with HVAC specialists. These professionals can easily service your heating and cooling systems as well as provide cleaning services to ensure your ducts and vents are performing optimally and don’t negatively affect the air quality in your home.

And always keep your winter utility bills in mind when you’re running these appliances as well! When you do decide to use a heater, try to isolate the use to the smallest area possible. This will help the warm air to circulate quicker and also avoid warming parts of the home you may not be using. 

Remember too that whilst reverse air conditioning or electric heaters help take away the chill, there are also many ways to keep warm that won’t increase your power bill. Layering clothes, and enjoying warm beverages are among our personal favourite ways to stave off the winter worries without burning a hole through your pockets.

Garden and outdoor preparation

Making sure your yard is protected and prepared for the winter months is all about long term practicality. Getting all those tasks you’ve been putting off out of the way like clearing your roof gutters, cleaning all outdoor drains, pruning trees and clearing branches from your power lines or other structures that may be impacted by harsh winds. Whilst tall trees can be of great benefit on your property, many native gum trees are known to drop large branches during harsh winds leading to potential hazardous damage. 

In addition to wrangling in the larger plant life, any smaller plants such as a veggie patch should be given some protection from the frost. A mesh covering secured over your budding plants will help them to sustain growth by promoting their own, miniature ecosystem. 

If you have any pets that are mostly outdoor animals, make sure you prepare an area that is dry and sheltered from the wind for them to utilise. Most animals are equipped to deal with changes in weather, however domesticated pets do require more food during the colder months to keep themselves warm. 

Emergency readiness

With winter bringing the most extreme weather here in Warragul, emergency preparedness is a must every year. Whether by stockpiling non-perishable food, or refilling your first aid kit, being prepared for the cold season is the best way to ensure your property and your family are safe and healthy. 

Be prepared for power outages with plenty of torches and batteries in stock. Additionally, if a heat pack or hot water bottle cannot be made, small reusable snap hand warmers are a great way to keep yourself cosy as you await the return of electricity. 

Despite the cool change, smoke alarms are still an important necessity. Check the batteries in your smoke alarm are working, and if you are using a gas heater to heat your home you should always ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector.. 

Final tips and seasonal safety

The Vic Emergency app is integral for staying up to date and informed about changing weather conditions and emergencies in your local area. In addition to looking out for yourself, connect with those who are vulnerable in your community, offering help wherever possible. 

Early action and preparation is the key to avoiding any sudden stress from an emergency. It is important for your physical and mental wellbeing to be well prepared for what may come with this winter season. With these tips in mind, we hope you’re able to enjoy a safe and warm winter.