Boligfritid.dk is a Danish magazine for homeowners. This English version is written for international residents in Denmark. Read the original in Danish.
Updated 24 October 2026. When the frost and the autumn storms arrive, the weak spots in a house show up quickly: gutters that overflow, pipes that freeze and radiators that never get warm. Spend a weekend on it now and you avoid costly damage and an unnecessarily high heating bill.
Outside
- Gutters and downpipes: clear them of leaves so rainwater can drain away instead of running down the walls.
- Roof and chimney: look for loose or broken roof tiles and damaged flashing. Get a professional up there if anything needs fixing.
- Outdoor taps: turn off the water from inside, then drain the tap and the garden hose. See how to protect your water pipes from frost.
- Garden furniture, cushions and barbecue: put them under cover. See how to get your garden furniture ready for winter (in Danish).
- The heat pump’s outdoor unit: keep it clear of leaves, snow and ice so the air can flow freely. Read about servicing and inspection (in Danish).
- Trees and branches: cut back branches that could fall on the roof or the car in a storm.
- Outdoor lighting: good lighting by the entrance and steps reduces falls when it gets dark and slippery.
Inside
- Bleed the radiators: if they are cold at the top or gurgle, there is air in them. Bleed them with a radiator key, then check the pressure in the heating system as described in its instructions.
- Thermostats: check that the thermostatic valves turn freely and have not seized up over the summer.
- Draught strips: replace worn seals on doors and windows. It is cheap and gets rid of draughts.
- Damp: when it turns cold outside, the risk of condensation and mould goes up. See how to avoid damp and condensation.
- Smoke alarms: test them and change the batteries. This is especially important if you burn wood. See our tips for lighting a fire the right way.
- Chimney sweep: have the chimney swept if you have a wood-burning stove or an oil-fired boiler.
Clearing snow and icy pavements
As a property owner, you are usually required to clear snow and make sure the pavement in front of your property is not slippery. The exact rules, such as times of day and whether you must grit or salt, are set out in your municipality’s vinterregulativ (winter maintenance regulations). Have a shovel, grit or salt ready before the first frost arrives.
Save on heating this winter
- Turn the heating down at night and when you are away, but do not let the rooms go completely cold.
- Air the rooms briefly and effectively instead of leaving windows ajar.
- Consider adding insulation to the loft and cavity walls. See prices and grants.
- Move your electricity use to the cheapest hours. See today’s electricity price (in Danish).
Do you have a summer house?
Then remember to close it down properly too. Use our checklist for closing your summer house for the winter.
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