Winter is almost here! That means that your home is going to need some love. With our help, you can save money on your electric bills and keep all that precious warmth inside your house rather than losing it to the outside. So this holiday season, give yourself the gift of home winterization. We promise you won’t need a gift receipt because this is one present you’ll be happy with.
Cold weather preparation doesn’t take much and includes many small tasks that don’t seem like they accomplish much on their own. Combined with their powers, they will save you money and keep your family cozy all season long. We’ll start with the easiest and cheapest solutions and move on from there.
Replace your weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the fastest and most inexpensive way to reduce heat loss. First, take a look at any door that leads to the outside. If there is light coming in around the edges, then it’s time for new weatherstripping. You can pick up weatherstripping at any local hardware store for less than ten dollars, and replacing it could save you hundreds on your electric bill.
Use heavier drapes and rugs.
Using heavier drapes during cold months can provide an extra layer of insulation to your windows. Regular glass windows are terrible at keeping the heat in, and rich fabric can help stop heat loss. Heavy rugs also provide an extra layer of insulation to the floor. The added benefit is that you won’t have to step onto cold tile or hardwood floors when you get out of bed in the morning.
Clean or change your furnace filters
Dirty furnace filters mean your furnace must work harder to heat your home. Checking filters is an easy fix, but it’s often overlooked. If your furnace is having to work harder, that also means that you could be spending more money on our energy bills than you need to.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
Many new thermostats can learn your family’s habits and will adjust accordingly. This helps with heating costs because the thermostat can automatically adjust up or down depending on if someone is home. This one is a little more advanced than some of our other tips, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, enlist a professional’s help.
How to avoid frozen pipes this winter
Keep the water moving: Water running through your pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent pipes from freezing. Leave one of your bathroom or kitchen sink faucets trickling before bed.
Leave your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open: Leaving your under-sink cabinets open allows warm air to circulate the pipes under your sink and helps prevent freezing.
Update your insulation: You can use foam pipe insulation from your local hardware store for a quick fix, but for a permanent and reliable solution, you should add insulation to your basement, crawl spaces, and attic. Adding insulation will also save you money on your energy bills, so adding insulation is a great option no matter what season it is.