Autumn/Winter Routine Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Building Energy-Efficient

As the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure that your home or office is prepared for the autumn and winter seasons. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance not only prevents energy waste but can also reduce costs in the long term. Below are some practical tips and a seasonal checklist to help keep your building energy-efficient during the colder months.

1. Regular HVAC Inspections

One of the most significant contributors to energy waste is an inefficient heating system. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is crucial to ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.

• Schedule an inspection: Have a professional check your HVAC system before the cold sets in. Clean or replace filters, check ductwork, and ensure everything is working properly.
• Check thermostat settings: Ensure your thermostat is correctly programmed for the season, especially if you have a smart system. Reducing the temperature by just a few degrees can save energy without compromising comfort.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Draughty windows and doors are common culprits for heat loss in buildings. Even small gaps can allow warm air to escape and cold air to seep in, making your heating system work harder than it needs to.

• Inspect seals: Check for worn-out weather stripping around windows and doors. Replace any damaged or missing seals to prevent draughts.
• Add draught excluders: For older doors and windows, consider adding draught excluders to minimise heat loss.
• Install double glazing: If your windows are single-glazed, upgrading to double glazing can significantly reduce heat loss and improve insulation.

3. Insulate the Building Properly

Proper insulation is one of the best ways to maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduce energy waste.

• Check loft insulation: Ensure your attic or loft is adequately insulated, as heat rises and can easily escape through the roof. A minimum of 270mm of insulation is recommended in most homes.
• Wall insulation: If your property has cavity walls, ensure they are filled with insulation. For older buildings, consider solid wall insulation to improve thermal efficiency.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Autumn brings falling leaves, which can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage and even potential heat loss.

• Clear debris: Regularly clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent blockages. Blocked gutters can cause water to pool and freeze, leading to structural damage that impacts energy efficiency.
• Inspect for damage: Look for any cracks or damage in gutters and downspouts that could allow cold air or moisture to seep into your building.

5. Service Your Boiler

An inefficient boiler can drive up energy costs significantly during the colder months.

• Annual service: Schedule an annual boiler service to ensure it’s running efficiently. A well-maintained boiler will use less energy and be less likely to break down during the peak winter period.
• Bleed radiators: Bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and ensure they heat up properly.

6. Optimise Lighting

With shorter days, lighting usage naturally increases, but it’s important to do so in an energy-efficient manner.

• Switch to LED bulbs: Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last longer.
• Install motion sensors: In office spaces, consider installing motion sensors for lighting in less frequently used areas like hallways and storage rooms.

7. Check Roof and Chimney for Leaks

The roof is another critical area where heat can escape.

• Inspect for leaks: Check for any cracks or damage in the roof and around chimneys where heat could escape and cold air could enter.
• Chimney insulation: If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney is insulated when not in use to prevent draughts.

8. Use Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Understanding your building’s energy efficiency rating is vital, and having an EPC helps identify areas for improvement.

• Get an EPC: Whether you’re a landlord with numerous properties, a local authority, or a housing association, our team at Future Building offers Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) at competitive rates. We also provide bulk order discounts for large-scale requirements, making it easier and more affordable for you to stay compliant and improve energy efficiency across your properties.

How Future Building Can Help

At Future Building, we help property managers, landlords, and businesses stay proactive about maintenance to ensure long-term energy efficiency. From HVAC inspections to EPCs, our services are designed to help you reduce energy waste, lower costs, and keep your buildings running efficiently throughout the colder months.

For large-scale property owners, our bulk order discounts on EPCs are a cost-effective way to manage compliance and maintain energy efficiency across multiple sites. Whether you’re preparing a single property or managing an entire portfolio, our team is here to support your efforts in creating a more energy-efficient future.

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By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your property stays warm, energy-efficient, and ready for the colder months ahead.