Pre-Winter Home Prep: Insulation and Maintenance Checklist

Why Pre-Winter Prep Matters

In Ayvalık, the southwest wind and rains hit hard in winter, and coastal humidity is high. One day of work in September-October can cut your heating bill 20-30% and prevent sudden breakdowns. Here is the 20-item checklist.

1. Window and Door Seals

• Check frames for drafts with a candle flame
• Replace old weather strips (EPDM D/E/P profiles)
• Fit a door sweep or rubber seal
• Apply thermal film to single-glazed windows
• Heavy curtains reduce cold bridging

2. Exterior and Roof Check

• Replace cracked or missing tiles
• Check wooden roof elements for decay
• Clean gutters of leaves and debris
• Seal chimney mortar cracks with silicone
• Repair exterior paint bubbles early

3. Plumbing Protection

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves
• Close and drain garden taps
• Blow irrigation lines dry
• Test the main valve

4. Boiler and Heating

• Annual service by an authorised technician
• Bleed radiators
• Wipe panels, add reflective foil behind them
• Replace thermostat batteries
• Soap-water test for gas leaks

5. Electrical and Lighting

• Test outdoor lighting after first rain
• Adjust automatic relays for winter time
• Test generator if present
• If using a stove, clean chimney and install a CO detector

6. Indoor Prep

• Cover or store summer furniture
• Wash and lay rugs (stone floors stay cold)
• Use a dehumidifier
• Ventilate twice a day for 10 minutes

7. Fuel and Supplies

• Check wood/pellet stock
• Keep spare fuses, bulbs and batteries
• Keep bottled water for boiler refills (1.5 bar target)
• Flashlight and extension cord ready

Energy-Saving Tips

Thermal curtains, radiator reflectors, door sweeps and ceiling insulation give the fastest payback. Replacing window seals alone reportedly cuts bills by 8-12%.

Winter Prep Supplies at Süm-Sel

Weather strips, pipe insulation, silicone, chimney sealant, reflective foil, felt, thermal curtains, bulbs, batteries and more - all at Süm-Sel Ayvalık. Bring your list and let's handle it in one visit.