As November comes to an end, we’re getting ready for winter. While winter has its joys, it can also impact my home and bank account. Keeping the house warm and cozy can be quite expensive. If you live in a place where temperatures drop below 30 degrees with ice and snow, those extra costs are unavoidable. Thankfully, there are some efficient ways to prepare your home for the cold months that can save you money in the long run.
Here are some strategies to winter-proof your home without breaking the bank:
SEAL ANY AIR LEAKS
Your heating system’s job in the winter is to heat your home, not the outside world. Unfortunately, if there are gaps or drafts, warm air can escape, making your system work harder and increasing your bills. There are several methods to insulate your home, from simple solutions to more complex ones.
For basic leaks, weatherstripping and caulking are effective. Check places like doors, windows, electrical fixtures, and boxes for leaks by using a lit incense stick. If the smoke flickers, there’s an air leak that needs sealing. Quick fixes like draft snakes (which can be homemade with fabric and sand or a rolled-up towel) can block cold air from coming in under doors. For a more thorough solution, you might consider sealing your ducts.
MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING SYSTEM
Like any important appliance, your heating system needs regular check-ups. Schedule a professional to inspect it once a year to ensure it’s working efficiently. Make sure all heating vents are open and unobstructed to distribute heat evenly throughout your home. Also, clean or replace your furnace filters regularly. Clogged filters can decrease your furnace’s efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and lower airflow. Clean filters can help lower your energy bill and extend the filter’s life.
PROTECT YOUR A/C AND WATER PIPES
When temperatures drop below 30 degrees, the water in your air conditioning pipes and hoses can freeze. To prevent this, turn off the water to your A/C if it has a valve, and disconnect and shut off your outdoor water supply to avoid frozen pipes. This tactic can save you money in the long term.
INSTALL STORM WINDOWS AND DOORS
In addition to sealing drafts and air leaks, installing storm doors and windows can further insulate your home, reducing drafts and preventing heat loss. If this is too expensive, a window insulation kit is a cheaper alternative. Adding a plastic layer to your windows can act as a barrier against cold air and drafts, helping to insulate your home and keep it warm.
REVERSE YOUR CEILING FANS
Although it might sound odd, changing the direction of your ceiling fans can help. Typically, fans rotate counterclockwise, but if you switch them to rotate clockwise, they can help create a warmer environment. This adjustment can reduce the workload on your heating system, saving you money.
CHECK YOUR INSULATION
Insulation plays a vital role in preventing heat loss during winter, which can significantly affect your heating costs. Before the severe weather hits, check your home’s insulation. If you have an older home, consider adding more insulation to your walls, basement ceiling, or attic floor. Though it might be a big job that you’ll want to hire professionals for, it can lead to significant long-term savings by efficiently managing heat loss.
The end of fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. Try these tips to keep your home warm. When winter is in full swing, you’ll appreciate the effort, both for the comfort and the cost savings. Have you tried any of these home adjustments? Share what you’ve done to get your home ready for winter.