{"id":2079,"date":"2013-11-26T09:00:03","date_gmt":"2013-11-26T09:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=2079"},"modified":"2013-11-26T09:00:03","modified_gmt":"2013-11-26T09:00:03","slug":"10-essential-tips-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/inspiration\/10-essential-tips-december\/","title":{"rendered":"10 essential tips for December"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The days are getting shorter and the nights longer in the run up to Christmas, and with the cold weather come a number of problems you\u2019ll be faced with over the next few months. But as an early Christmas present we\u2019ve given you some of the best tips to ensure your home is ready to battle the winter. <\/p>\n<p>You won&#8217;t necessarily need to take on each of the following, but it&#8217;s well worth giving serious consideration to most. The last thing you want is to be caught out in the cold months ahead.<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>Home insurance<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s this time of year that your property is likely to suffer from some kind of damage. This is generally related to extreme weather conditions, such as the wet and cold. So what\u2019s important is to ensure your home insurance is up-to-date and includes any winter-related damage. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/home-insurance.jpg\" alt=\"home insurance\" width=\"736\" height=\"590\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2084 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/home-insurance.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/home-insurance-300x240.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 736px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 736\/590;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Insulate your pipes<\/h2>\n<p>One of the more common problems in winter is frozen and burst pipes. This is caused by contents in the pipe freezing and expanding. A solution is easy enough though, and you can purchase pipe lagging to keep them warm throughout the winter. Not only will it prevent pipes freezing, but it\u2019ll reduce heat loss too.  <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Pipe-insulation-2.jpg\" alt=\"Pipe insulation 2\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2090 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Pipe-insulation-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Pipe-insulation-2-300x225.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/450;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Boiler service<\/h2>\n<p>Over the winter your boiler will be working at its hardest, so make sure yours is ready for the cold weather with a boiler service. It\u2019s advised to have a service at least once a year and this ensures any potential faults are picked up before becoming a problem. If you have an old and inefficient boiler then even consider upgrading to a modern replacement, which can save as much as \u00a3310 a year. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Boiler-service.jpg\" alt=\"Boiler service\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2080 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Boiler-service.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Boiler-service-300x201.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/428;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Insulation<\/h2>\n<p>According to the experts, as much as 40% of the heat you produce can be lost to inefficiency in the home. Heat is lost in a number of ways, but more commonly the roof, walls and windows. To tackle this, consider insulation such as loft lagging and wall cavity insulation. Payback is in as little as two years, providing you with decades of savings. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Loft-insulation.jpg\" alt=\"Loft insulation\" width=\"620\" height=\"387\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2085 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Loft-insulation.jpg 620w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Loft-insulation-300x187.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 620px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 620\/387;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Bleed the radiators<\/h2>\n<p>Do your radiators feel colder at the top than the bottom? If so it\u2019s highly likely they\u2019ll need bleeding because trapped air is preventing them from heating up sufficiently. Make sure you know what you\u2019re doing and once the air has been released the whole radiator will heat as normal. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/radiator-bleeding.jpg\" alt=\"radiator bleeding\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2088 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/radiator-bleeding.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/radiator-bleeding-300x169.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/360;\" \/><br \/>\n<i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Switch energy supplier<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ve undoubtedly seen the news of energy prices rising again, so if you feel you\u2019re paying over the odds for energy this winter why not switch supplier. Some companies are offering low tariffs which are guaranteed for more than two years so you can instantly cut your bills. And there\u2019s no hassle on your part as the supplier will take care of all the finer details. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Energy-suppliers.jpg\" alt=\"Energy suppliers\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2082 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Energy-suppliers.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Energy-suppliers-300x201.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/402;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Guttering<\/h2>\n<p>Over the winter months it\u2019s important not to forget about your guttering. Leaves and twigs will be falling off the trees and could clog your gutter, causing a blockage. If this blockage is left then leaks or even structural damage could occur. So always make sure your guttering is debris free before the winter. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Gutter-2.jpg\" alt=\"Gutter 2\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2083 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Gutter-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Gutter-2-300x201.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/428;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Trim the trees<\/h2>\n<p>In a related issue to your guttering, why not minimise the problem of blockages by having the trees around your home trimmed back. After all, by doing this you\u2019ll be able to reduce the foliage that drops into the gutter <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Tree-surgeon.jpg\" alt=\"Tree surgeon\" width=\"736\" height=\"489\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2087 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Tree-surgeon.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Tree-surgeon-300x199.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 736px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 736\/489;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n<h2>Draught proofing<\/h2>\n<p>Got a cold spot in your home? Feel a draught on a cold winter\u2019s night? Then deal with this problem and ensure your home is sufficiently draught proofed. This will make you more comfortable and help to reduce heat loss and your bills too. The windows and doors are prime suspects for draughts so use strips around the edges. <\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 666px;float: left;padding-bottom: 8px\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Door-proofing.jpg\" alt=\"Door proofing\" width=\"460\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2081 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Door-proofing.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Door-proofing-300x235.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 460px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 460\/360;\" \/><i style=\"float:right\">Image from <a title=\"Conservatories\" href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/quotatis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pinterest<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The days are getting shorter and the nights longer in the run up to Christmas, and with the cold weather come a number of problems &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"10 essential tips for December\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/inspiration\/10-essential-tips-december\/#more-2079\" aria-label=\"Read more about 10 essential tips for December\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1791,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[44,196,191,14,42,64,15],"tags":[200,60,228,34,63],"class_list":["post-2079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boilers","category-gardening-landscaping","category-guttering-soffits-fascias","category-inspiration","category-insulation","category-plumbing-central-heating","category-seasonal","tag-boiler-service","tag-energy-efficiency","tag-guttering","tag-roofing","tag-wall-cavity-insulation","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33","resize-featured-image"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 essential tips for December<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Think you can sit back and relax this December? That&#039;s all well and good if your house is up to scratch so make sure to look through our checklist...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/inspiration\/10-essential-tips-december\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 essential tips for December\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Think you can sit back and relax this December? 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