The winter is right around the corner and now it is the time to winterize your home if you haven’t already done so. As a homeowner, it is important that you winterize your home each and every winter. The process of doing this will protect your home from the harsh weather but it also will save you money as well. Although the weather forecasters have claimed that we should expect a mild winter this year which implies that home heating costs will be at an all time low, it is still a good idea to prepare your home for the cold season. If you put in a little time now, you will save in the long run.
There are specific steps that you can take in order to winterize your home properly. Part of winterizing your home is knowing specific aspects or characteristics of your home. For example, if you have a drafty window, then covering it so that you prevent cold air from entering is a good idea. Another aspect that is sometimes overlooked is caulking your windows. Even if these windows do not feel drafty, you would be surprised at how much re-caulking your windows can help and save on energy costs.
Ceiling fans. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades turn clockwise at a low speed, you push warm air up and force it around the room.
Heating ducts. Ducts should be inspected and cleaned periodically. Homeowners also should consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork to prevent air heat loss.
Air filters. Many of us fail to replace our air filters as often as we should. Remember, clean filters are a great way to reduce indoor air pollution. Homes have less natural ventilation during winter months.
Emergency kit. When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one convenient place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first-aid kit, bottled water, nonperishable food and a battery-powered radio. Create the same emergency kit for the car as well, including a couple of blankets.
These steps can really help if you want to winterize your home effectively. As mentioned in the article above, most homeowners overlook having an emergency kit but when emergency strikes, you will be glad that you put one together. Furthermore, following these steps will significantly reduce your home’s energy costs.
Some homeowners who want to winterize their homes are concerned at some of costs that they will have to pay in order to do this process effectively. For instance, some people simply can not afford to install a storm door. However, there are step that you can take even if you have to follow a strict budget. In the following article titled “11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget“by Bob Vila, they discuss how to winterize your home on a budget. Here are some of the best tips that we found: Clean Your Gutters
You’ve heard it before, but we can’t stress this enough. Making sure that water can flow freely through your gutters now will help prevent icicles and ice dams from forming later. Cost: Other than your sweat and time, free.
Flush the Water Heater
Particles and sediment can collect over time in the bottom of your water heater, hindering the unit’s efficiency. Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out the material and keep your heater functioning at its best. Cost: 100% free!
Weatherstrip Tape
Drafts and air leaks increase your heating costs, so make sure your windows and doors are sealed tight with weatherstripping. Simple, easy, and smart. Cost: $5 to $10 per roll.
By following these tips, you can effectively winterize your home and save money. All of the tips that this article provided are cost-effective ways of doing it. Even if you are on a strict budget, the process of winterizing your home will save you money and should therefore be a priority.
If you are more of an eco-friendly homeowner, then you might question how you can winterize your home in more of an environmentally-friendly manner. There are ways that you can do this. In the following article by HowStuffWorks, they discuss how you can go about this. After reviewing this article, we have taken some of their best suggestions and listed them below:
35 Ways to Winterize Your Home (Without Poisoning Your Family)
Consider using green alternatives to traditional insulation. There are several options including cellulose and spray foam.
Learn from the old timers! Plant evergreens close to your home and consider planting a windbreak on your property. A windbreak can save up to 30% in energy costs.
Head to your local feed store and buy straw bales to place around the foundation of your home. This will block cold air and help keep the floors warmer, especially if you have pier and beam.
Shut the door on rooms you don’t use, if there are any.
To read the full “HowStuffWorks” article, click here.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, then you can follow the above steps to winterize your home. The process of winterizing your home does not take long and will reduce your home heating costs. Furthermore, you can protect your home from the harsh, cold weather which will prevent you from having to conduct any repairs due to weather damage.
R.F. Ohl specializes in keeping your house warm and comfortable even when it is bitter cold outside. We can answer any questions that you might have on winterizing your home and making your home more energy-efficient. We service Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County. Keep warm this winter by calling us and speaking with a live representative 24/7.
The winter is right around the corner and now it is the time to winterize your home if you haven’t already done so. As a homeowner, it is important that you winterize your home each and every winter. The process of doing this will protect your home from the harsh weather but it also will save you money as well. Although the weather forecasters have claimed that we should expect a mild winter this year which implies that home heating costs will be at an all time low, it is still a good idea to prepare your home for the cold season. If you put in a little time now, you will save in the long run.