As November winds down, we’re bracing ourselves for winter’s arrival. Despite the delights winter brings, it often takes a toll on my home and finances. The price tag for maintaining warmth and comfort can be quite steep. If you inhabit a region where temperatures can fall under 30 degrees with the occurrence of ice and snow, there’s no escaping the extra costs. Luckily, there are efficient ways to ready your home for freezing months that can lead to long-term savings.
Consider implementing these strategies to winter-proof your home economically:
PLUG ANY AIR LEAKAGES
Your heating system’s purpose in winter is to warm your interior, not the environment. Regrettably, if gaps or draughts exist in your home, warm air might seep out, forcing your system to operate more intensely to compensate for the escaped heat, leading to increased bills. There are numerous ways to insulate your home, ranging from simple to elaborate solutions.
To address simple leakages, weatherstripping and caulking are good options. Examine areas like doors, windows, electrical fixtures and boxes for potential leaks by using a lit incense stick. The flame flickering indicates an air leak that needs caulking or weatherstripping. Quick fixes such as draft snakes (which can be a homemade mix of fabric and sand or a rolled-up towel) can prevent the cold wind seeping in under doors. For something more extensive, consider sealing your ducts.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR HEATING SYSTEM
Like other crucial appliances, your heating system should be inspected and serviced regularly. Arrange for a specialist to check your system once a year for efficient operation. Additionally, ensure all heating vents are unobstructed and open to evenly distribute heat across your home. Cleaning or changing your furnace filters is another key aspect of maintaining your heating system. Clogged filters can decline your furnace’s effectiveness, resulting in higher energy demand and reduced airflow. Keeping furnace filters clean can have a positive impact on your energy bill and longevity of filters.
PROTECT YOUR A/C AND WATER PIPES
Once temperatures fall below 30 degrees, the water in your air conditioning pipes and hoses can freeze. It is advisable to turn off your A/C’s water if it has a valve. Disconnect and shut off your outdoor water supply to avoid freezing pipes. This tactic will also result in savings in the long run.
CONSIDER STORM WINDOWS AND DOORS
Besides plugging draughts and air leaks, installing storm doors and windows is another effective way to insulate your home, reduce drafts, and prevent heat loss. If this seems too costly, a window insulation kit provides an affordable alternative. Installing a plastic layer on your windows can serve as a barrier against cold air and drafts, thereby insulating your home. This installation should be visible, providing a cost-effective tip for maintaining a warm home.
CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR CEILING FANS
While this might seem peculiar, changing your ceiling fans’ direction can make a significant difference. Typically, fans rotate anti-clockwise, but by adjusting them to rotate clockwise, they can contribute to a warmer atmosphere. This adjustment can reduce your heating system’s workload, resulting in savings on your next bill.
EXAMINE INSULATION
Insulation is meant to prevent heat loss during winter, hence it can significantly influence your heating costs. Prior to the onset of severe weather, scrutinize your home’s insulation. If your home is older, consider retrofitting additional insulation between your walls and adding insulation to your basement ceiling or attic floor. Although a substantial task that you may want to entrust to professionals, this investment will yield long-term savings by efficiently managing heat loss.
Fall’s end is the ideal time to analyse and prepare your home for winter. Evaluate these tips and discover ways to effectively retain warmth. Hunkering down during a severe winter, you’ll find your efforts rewarding, both for your comfort and your wallet. Have you implemented any of these home adjustments? Share your experiences and tell us what you’ve done to winter-proof your home.
Source: SmartAsset.com
