Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for the UK
What to check weekly and monthly in winter to keep a UK home warm, dry and safe, from frozen pipe prevention to condensation, ice and storm damage.
Autumn is for preparation; winter is for keeping an eye on things. The aim from December to February is not big projects but regular, quick checks that catch problems while they are small. This checklist breaks the season into what to look at weekly, after bad weather and monthly, with a short plan for if something goes wrong.
Weekly checks (five minutes)
These are quick and can be done while doing something else.
- Boiler pressure: Most combi boilers should sit between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If it keeps dropping, the system may have a leak and needs an engineer.
- Radiators: Feel for cold spots. A cold top suggests trapped air; a cold bottom or centre can indicate sludge.
- Windows: Wipe off condensation on the inside, and open a window briefly or use extractor fans after cooking and showering.
- Outside: Look at the downpipes and soakaways. Frozen or overflowing downpipes can mean a blockage.
- Paths and steps: Grit or salt before a hard frost, especially on shared access routes.
After a storm or heavy rain
- Walk around outside as soon as it is safe, looking for fallen tiles, damaged fences and loose guttering.
- Check ceilings and the tops of walls inside for new stains.
- Look in the loft with a torch from the hatch, if safe, for drips or daylight.
- Clear any blocked gullies.
- Photograph damage before cleaning up; this helps with any insurance claim. See our storm damage checklist.
Monthly checks
Heating and hot water
Check that timer and thermostat settings still suit your routine, and that TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) are not stuck. Our heating controls guide explains how to get comfort for less.
Condensation and mould
Look at window frames, corners and behind furniture on cold walls. A small area of mould wiped away early is far easier than an established patch. See condensation in the house.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Test monthly. Heating season is when carbon monoxide risk rises, particularly if boilers or fires have not been serviced.
Plumbing
Check under sinks and around the boiler for damp. If you spot a leak, turn off the supply and call a plumber. If you do not know where the stop tap is, find it today, before there is an emergency.
If you go away in winter
Leaving a home empty in winter is when frozen pipes cause the most damage. Leave the heating on a low frost setting, or drain down the system if the property will be empty for a long period. Ask someone to check the property every few days. See the holiday home-check routine and how to stop pipes freezing.
Emergency plan in a cold snap
Write these on a card and keep it in a drawer:
- Location of the stop tap, gas shut-off and electricity main switch
- Numbers for your energy supplier, network operator and water company
- Details of your boiler make and model
- A trusted plumber or heating engineer, ideally one you have used before
For a suspected gas escape, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and do not use switches. A power cut is reported to 105, a free number which connects you to your local network operator.
Keeping costs sensible
You can reduce winter bills without feeling cold: close curtains at dusk, move furniture away from radiators, use heating controls sensibly and fix draughts. Our energy-saving quick wins lists simple changes with the best payback.
If something needs fixing, you can search local help on Compito, compare ID-verified providers and message them directly after you send a request.
A worked example: a cold snap
A forecast promises several nights below freezing. On the Wednesday the householder checks the boiler pressure, makes sure the heating timer includes the early morning, closes loft hatches and checks pipe lagging in the garage. Outside taps are covered, and the condensate pipe from the boiler is checked and, if it is exposed, wrapped. They put grit by the front step and make sure the number for their heating engineer is saved in their phone. When the freeze comes, the house runs normally. Nothing here is expensive, and it prevents the usual cold-snap emergencies.
Condensate pipes in freezing weather
Many modern condensing boilers have a plastic condensate pipe that can freeze and cause the boiler to lock out. If you suspect this, the manufacturer's instructions or a Gas Safe registered engineer can advise. Do not take the boiler apart yourself. A frozen condensate pipe is a common winter callout, and having the number of an engineer in your phone helps.
A simple weekly rhythm
| Day | Quick job |
|---|---|
| Monday | Check boiler pressure and radiators |
| Wednesday | Wipe windows and check for condensation and mould |
| Friday | Look outside: gutters, paths, downpipes |
| Sunday | Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly |
Looking after people
Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during cold spells, make sure they know who to call, and keep hot drinks and blankets handy. If someone in the home is unwell or struggling with heating costs, speak to a GP, local council or an energy advice service about support. Never use outdoor heating or cooking equipment indoors.
At the end of winter
Make a note of what went wrong or nearly did, such as a radiator that did not heat or a recurring damp patch. Use it to plan spring work and to ask for help early in the year; see the spring home maintenance checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I keep my house at in winter?
Many people find living spaces comfortable at around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. Keeping it much lower than 16 in rooms that are in use can increase damp and health risks, particularly for older people.
Should I leave heating on low all day?
It depends on the property. Well-insulated homes often benefit from steady low temperatures, but poorly insulated ones may waste energy. Using the timer and thermostat sensibly is usually better than blanket rules.
What is the most common winter home emergency?
Burst pipes after a freeze and boiler breakdowns are among the most frequent. Both are easier to manage if you know where your stop tap is and have your boiler serviced.