At the first hint of a chill in the air, many
homeowners in cold-weather regions start thinking about the inevitable arrival
of expensive winter heating bills. As the temperatures drop, the cost of
keeping your home warm and cozy can quickly climb - leaving you with a
budget-busting expense.
But before you get snowed in by sky-high
bills, there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your home for an
energy-efficient (and more affordable) winter season. From tackling some basic
maintenance tasks to making smart upgrades to your space, learning how to
winterize your home can make a significant difference for both your budget and
your comfort.
Continue
reading for a list of the best ways to winterize your
home, including the easy tips that every homeowner should know now.
Winter might not officially start until
mid-December, but for those of us living in the colder regions of the U.S., the
chilly weather is already upon us. That means that it’s time to pull out our
warmest coats, turn on the heater, and get the snow shovel out of storage - but
what about preparing your home for the winter season?
For most people, rising energy bills are among
the biggest frustrations that come with this time of year. And although you
might not be able to stop the temperature from dropping, you can
take steps to improve your home’s
energy efficiency and reduce your seasonal heating costs.
We’re breaking down the essential steps you
should take to winterize your home so that you can stay warm, cozy, and
on budget.
1.
Set your ceiling fans to rotate
clockwise.
For many of us,
ceiling fans are something we only use during warm weather. But did you know
that they can also come in handy throughout the winter months?
When a ceiling fan
spins clockwise, it creates an updraft that moves warm air around the room.
Because warm air rises, using the fan in this way helps redistribute the air to
help make you feel warmer.
2.
Clean air ducts and replace air
filters.
Over time, the dust
that collects in our air ducts and filters can negatively impact the efficiency
of our central air and heating system. So, it’s a good idea to make it a habit
to regularly change out the air filters and clean air ducts.
Ensuring that your
heating system can work as effectively as possible can help lower your bill, as
well as help you avoid potential problems in the future.
3.
Make sure your home is
well-insulated.
Depending on when
(and how) your home was built, the quality of your insulation can vary
considerably. Without proper insulation, cold air can pass easily into your
home - and the heated air can exit it.
Fill in the areas
around any basement and attic windows and doors using high-quality insulation,
as well as empty spaces in the attic floor and/or basement ceiling. This will
improve heat retention throughout the home.
4.
Seal any gaps or cracks.
Even small gaps in
your siding, doors, and windows allow heat to escape. Do a thorough assessment
of your home to find any gaps, then fill them with caulk to create a secure
seal. For an extra level of protection, you can also remove interior moldings
around doors and windows, then apply caulk around those edges as well.
If you find any
cracks that are allowing drafts to come through, act quickly to get them
repaired. Also, consider adding weather-stripping to doors that have gaps at
the bottom, or, replace the doors entirely for a better fit.
5.
Get exterior repairs taken care of
as soon as possible.
If your to-do list
includes repairs on the exterior of your home - such as replacing damaged
siding - now is the time to knock those out. Not only can exterior issues allow
unwanted drafts and heat loss, but they can also end up getting much worse due
to winter storms.
Get Ready for Winter with Help
from the Professionals
There are plenty of things you can do to
winterize your home, even if you aren’t a particularly skilled DIY enthusiast.
However, there are also several jobs that are better left to the professionals
- so when you’re making smart improvements for the winter season, make sure you
have a repair and remodeling team you can trust.
Final Touch Construction & Remodeling
provides a wide variety of home services throughout Northeast Ohio, ranging
from water damage repair
to full-scale renovations
for basements, bathrooms, kitchens,
and more. Whether you
want to replace
your siding
to get ready for winter storms or would like to create a
more comfortable, stylish interior for hosting holiday gatherings, the skilled
team from Final Touch Construction & Remodeling is ready to help.
Get more information about what to do to
winterize a home when you contact Final Touch Construction & Remodeling
today!
