While your property may be well insulated, there are a few things you can do to elevate your home’s winter efficiency. By following these suggestions, you can save money on your energy bills, protect your home from the elements and keep your home warm all winter long.
Check the Fireplace
Your fireplace is a prime location for birds to call home. However, the nests they create can be a serious hazard and safety concern. During an annual inspection, a professional can look, remove any issues and effectively clean the space. It’s essential to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned before starting your first fire of the year. Also, be sure to sweep up any debris or ash that accumulates after the cleaning process.
Add Weatherproofing
Whether you install storm doors and windows or add weatherstripping, weatherproofing tasks can make a vast difference. These help to prevent cold air from entering your home, while also reducing the amount of heat that escapes from your home. Weatherproofing not only keeps your family more comfortable, but this improved insulation also leads to lower energy bills.
Clear Out Gutters
Dirty, clogged gutters present a serious fire hazard and can lead to inefficient storm drainage. Cleaning your gutters should be an annual maintenance task before the cooler weather arrives.
If you would rather not worry about this maintenance, you can install gutter guards. Typically made of stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these products prevent leaves, pine needles and other debris from getting stuck in your gutters. While these must be brushed off occasionally to ensure effectiveness, the cleaning process is much easier compared to gutters without guards.
Protect Those Pipes
Bursting pipes is a common situation that homeowners deal with. Not only can this result in costly damages, but dealing with an emergency repair in the heart of winter can be stressful. Luckily, there are some easy winterizing tips to prevent this problem. From sealing up openings to adding insulation, there are various ways to keep these pipes flowing correctly.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
If you want to maintain a comfortable home temperature while keeping the bills down, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. These products allow you to customize the indoor environment, leading to less energy consumption and more personalized heating comfort. To help you save even more, drop the temperature on your thermostat when you’re sleeping or away from home. The Department of Energy suggests setting the temperature to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re not inside your property.
