1. Check the boiler’s pressure

Generally, it should be between one and two bars. You’ll find the pressure gauge on the front of the boiler, or underneath it where the pipes are. It’ll be either a dial or a digital display. If it’s too high or too low, give a Gas Safe engineer a call to make sure the pressure is right.

2. Remind the tenants where the stopcock is

Do your know where the stopcock is? If the water in your pipes freezes, pressure can build up behind the blockage and cause them to burst. While this is rare, it’s important your tenants can locate your stopcock to switch off the water mains in an emergency.

The normal hiding place is under the kitchen sink, and a typical stopcock should be turned clockwise to cut supply.

3. Insulate your loft

Loft insulation can make a real difference when it comes to preserving heat in your home. Even if you have insulation, it’s worth checking it’s up to standard.

4. Give your gutters a clear-out

We know it’s not a nice job, but at this time of year, it’s important to make sure your guttering is clear of debris. Once up the ladder, make sure the pipes can efficiently carry water away from your home. This prevents damp from getting into your walls, which can cause costly damage.

5. Seal any draughty areas

If your tenants are feeling the chill from draughts in your home, sealing them is a quick, simple way to stay warm and save money. Check for draughts are around the edges of window frames, gaps under doors, and around the letterbox. Draught excluders are available online, which will block draughts between doors. For windows and other small gaps, just seal the openings to keep the cold out this winter.

6. Give your radiators some TLC

Bleeding a radiator is a simple but effective way to keep your property toasty this winter. If your radiators feel cool at the top and hot at the bottom, it’s likely they need bleeding. Simply release any excess air with a radiator bleeding key and an old towel.