A villa in winter: heating, gas, water lines and protecting the yard

A villa is often thought of as a summer house, but a home with permanent gas, water and electricity can be used all year round. Absheron winters are usually mild, yet there are days of strong wind, high humidity and short frosts. In these conditions, preparing the house and yard for winter affects both comfort and how long the systems last. This article gives general information on the main topics.

Heating: combi boiler, radiators and underfloor heating

The most common setup in villas is a gas combi boiler connected to radiators or underfloor heating. The boiler supplies both heating and hot water. Before the season starts, the system pressure, air in the radiators, the boiler's combustion chamber and the flue are usually checked. This work is done by a qualified service technician.

If the house will stand empty for a while in winter, many boilers have a frost-protection or minimum-temperature mode. It helps prevent a sharp drop in indoor temperature and frozen pipes. Whether the mode exists and how it is set is described in the appliance manual.

Gas safety

• The ventilation duct in the room with the boiler and gas appliances must stay open; blocking or covering it is dangerous.
• The flue and exhaust outlet must not be obstructed; in windy weather, their proper operation matters even more.
• A carbon monoxide detector and a gas leak detector add an extra layer of safety.
• If you smell gas, electrical switches are not touched, windows are opened, the building is left and the gas supplier's emergency service is contacted.

Gas equipment must be installed, moved and repaired only by an authorised specialist.

Water lines and the risk of freezing

Pipes inside the house are protected by the heating, but exposed lines crossing the yard, the meter box, the irrigation system and outdoor taps are more vulnerable on frosty nights. Winter preparation usually covers:

• Insulating pipes on exposed sections.
• Draining the irrigation system and unused outdoor taps.
• Keeping the water meter box closed and dry.
• Closing the main water valve if the house will be empty for a long time.

Preparing the pool for winter

How a pool is winterised depends on its construction and equipment. Pools are often not drained completely, because groundwater pressure can damage an empty shell. Instead, the water chemistry is balanced, the water level is lowered to suit the lines, the equipment is cleaned and a winter cover is fitted. More on filtration, energy and seasonal care is in our article on running costs for a villa with a pool.

Roof, drainage and the yard

Autumn leaves can clog gutters and drainage grates; rainwater should not collect near the foundation. Before strong winds, the fixings of the roof covering, awnings and gazebo covers are checked. Summer furniture and cushions are stored indoors, and an open barbecue and metal parts are protected from damp. In houses with a summer-winter kitchen this area can be used in winter too, so its heating and ventilation are considered separately.

What a winter viewing shows

The winter months reveal some features of a house more clearly. It is easier at this time to see whether the heating warms every room evenly, how well windows and doors seal, whether there are damp marks on walls and in corners, and how water drains from the yard after rain. A general list of what to look at during a viewing is in our article on checking construction quality.

Note

This article is for general information only and is not a technical survey, safety instruction or guarantee. Work on gas, electrical and heating equipment must be carried out only by authorised specialists in line with the manufacturer's instructions.