Get Your Home Summer Fit

As spring blossoms and thoughts turn to warmer days, homeowners across the UK are gearing up for their annual spring-cleaning rituals. 

However, it's not just about sprucing up the house; it's also about being proactive with maintenance to ensure a smooth transition into summer.

Beyond the usual cleaning tasks, taking preventative measures now can help avoid unexpected issues later on. This means checking for any damage caused by winter weather, preparing outdoor spaces and ensuring essential heating systems are in good shape.

And, for those who wonder about the practical implications of neglecting maintenance tasks, internal data from HomeServe reveals that around 32,000¹ engineer callouts were recorded in the month of June alone, with repairs to pipes constituting 15% of callouts, followed by blocked drains at 12%. Plumbing and drainage-related issues dominate June's callouts, emphasising the importance of proactive home maintenance to prevent potential disruptions during the summer months.

Liam Sharkey, Home Expert at HomeServe, says:

“Summer is all about sunshine, relaxation and making memories with friends and family. That’s why it’s crucial to take a forward looking approach to maintenance tasks and think ahead of time about anything that might disrupt your plans. Following our tips can help ensure your home is ready for whatever summer throws your way, allowing you to focus on creating and enjoying those cherished moments."

Our top tips for a hassle-free summer:

1. Give your outdoor spaces some TLC: Ensure your outdoor spaces are primed for summer enjoyment! Take the time to check that outdoor taps are in working order, clear any stubborn blocked drains to maintain a fresh odour (nobody wants a bad smell spoiling a summer BBQ!), and give your garden furniture a thorough cleaning. As the nights get lighter, adjust your outdoor light timers to make the most of those balmy summer evenings. Let's also stay ahead of our famously fickle British weather – help prevent potential water damage by clearing guttering. With just 30 minutes of simple maintenance using basic tools like a ladder (and a ladder stabiliser if you are on uneven ground), gutter scoop and waterproof gloves, you'll pave the way for a seamless summer season ahead.
2. Heating checks: In the warmer months, if you have a combi boiler you can adjust your boiler flow temperature so that your boiler heats up to a slightly lower temperature. Ideally the flow temperature should be set to around 60° and decreased to 55°c in the warmer months. Making this simple tweak could help save energy and money whilst ensuring that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible. Summertime is an opportune moment to schedule a professional boiler service. By ensuring its efficiency now, you'll be well-prepared for the colder months ahead. Want to know more about keeping your boiler in tip top shape? Check out our blog.
3. Only heat when you need it:  Save energy and stay comfortable by heating your home only when necessary. Set your heating timer and thermostat to align with your lifestyle, adjusting them as the outside temperature rises. Contrary to common belief, leaving the heating on low isn't always the most efficient strategy. While there are no strict rules for temperature settings, typically once the outside temperature exceeds 14°C, it's usually warm enough to turn off the heating altogether.
4. Check the essentials:  Take proactive steps to safeguard your home by checking essential systems. Start by testing smoke alarms and detectors to ensure they are in working order, and carry out an end-of-winter meter reading to accurately check your energy use and forecast for the months ahead. In addition to these routine checks, Spring is a great time to check your air conditioning units and cooling fans are operational in readiness for the warmer weather. Additionally, help prevent unwanted odours in your home coming from bathroom and kitchen sinks by routinely pouring bicarbonate soda and white vinegar down plugholes. By staying ahead of these tasks, you'll ensure your home is in top shape for the changing seasons.
5. Insulate for comfort:  Insulation is a key player in creating a comfortable and efficient home, providing both warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Start by considering attic or loft insulation, which acts as a barrier against heat loss during colder months and prevents unwanted heat gain in the summer. This simple upgrade not only enhances comfort but also leads to significant energy savings by reducing the need for heating and cooling. Similarly, cavity wall insulation can be another worthwhile investment. By filling the gaps within your walls, it creates a thermal barrier, minimising heat transfer and maintaining a comfortable temperature, whatever’s happening outside.

A little about HomeServe

As one of the country’s leading home assistance providers, HomeServe has 30 years’ experience looking after UK homes. From plumbing, drainage, boiler, heating, or electrics cover to new boilers and one-off repairs, they're always looking for ways to bring you better care for your home, through their range of products and services. With a nationwide network of Home Experts and a claims line that’s open 24/7, 365 days a year, you can count on us to be there when it matters most.

To find out more, visit homeserve.co.uk. HomeServe - we’re on our way.

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¹ HomeServe’s internal callout data from June 2023 showed 32,116 recorded jobs.