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Winter Home Health‑Check – O’Shea’s Essential Melbourne Maintenance Tips
Make sure your home stays warm, safe and energy-efficient this winter with this easy checklist. We’ve added tips for plumbing, electrical, heating, roofing, and general care- ideal for Melbourne households in these colder months.
O’Shea’s Winter Checklist for Homeowners – Inside the Home – Quick Checks You Can Do
- Do a visual check of power points and cords
Look for signs of overheating, scorch marks or loose sockets around your home. Avoid using double adapters where possible and consider getting a licensed Melbourne electrician to inspect any older or overloaded circuits.
- Reverse your ceiling fans
Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise in winter. This helps push warm air down, helping your heating system work more efficiently, making rooms feel cosier.
- Close off unused rooms
Shut doors to spare rooms or less-used areas to concentrate heating in the areas you use most. It’s a simple trick that can cut your energy bills.
- Clear vents and return air pathways
Blocked vents affect airflow and efficiency. Vacuum around floor or wall vents and ensure nothing blocks your heater’s air return- this helps with airflow and heating efficiency.
- Clean or replace heating filters
If you have a split system or reverse-cycle ducted heating system, pop off the filters and give them a clean. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and increase running costs.
- Look under sinks and vanities for flexi hose wear
Check for signs of rust, bulging or fraying on hoses beneath the kitchen sink, bathroom vanities, and laundry troughs. These can burst suddenly and cause serious water damage and are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. These signs mean it’s time to call a plumber in Melbourne for a replacement.
- Inspect your hot water system
Is the tank noisy, rusty, or not heating properly? These are signs it may be due for hot water repairs—or it might be time for a hot water system replacement. O’Shea Plumbing can help assess the unit and even upgrade you to a rebate-eligible heat pump system.
Around the Home – Garden, Gutters & Outdoors
- Test outdoor lights and tidy paths
With shorter days and wetter paths, it’s important to make sure outdoor lighting works and pathways are clear. Good lighting helps prevent slips and falls, especially for older family members.
- Trim overhanging branches and garden debris
Look for branches touching the roof or gutters- they can cause rust, block drains or crack tiles. Trim back trees and remove leaves near the foundation to prevent root damage and damp buildup.
- Clean out gutters and downpipes
Check for blockages, especially under roof valleys and around downpipes. Overflowing gutters can damage eaves and cause water to enter the roof.
Structural Checks – Time for a Tradie?
- Check roof tiles and flashing
Loose or broken tiles and lifted flashing around chimneys or skylights can let water in during a downpour. A quick inspection now can prevent major leaks and expensive ceiling repairs down the track.
- Book a pest inspection
As the weather cools, rodents and pests look for warmth indoors. A winter pest check can stop possums, rats or spiders from settling in your roof, garage or walls.
- Review your home insurance
Take five minutes to check your insurance policy covers storm damage, burst pipes and heating issues. It’s easy to overlook, but vital when winter weather hits.
- Service your heater or split system
Even if your heater seems fine, a regular service improves efficiency and safety. Consider upgrading to a split system for better year-round performance and energy savings.
Need Help With The Tougher Tasks?
Let O’Shea’s team of qualified plumbers, electricians and roofing specialists take care of the tricky stuff:
- Flexi hose replacements
- Roof and gutter inspections
- Hot water system replacements
- Heater and ducted heating service appointments
- Hot water repairs
- Electrical safety checks
No matter the job, we’re here to help keep your home safe and warm this winter.
Contact O’Shea Plumbing today to book your winter check-up or get advice from a friendly tradie today.
