Home Winterization
It's that time of year again. The kids are back in school. The nights are getting cooler and it's almost time to switch the thermostat from "cool" to "heat" which also means those dreaded electric bills will start plagueing most of our mailboxes. Here are a few tips to winterize your home that may save you some money on heating costs.
Heating System Maintenance: When things like furnaces, boilers and hot water heaters are outdated or in a state of disrepair they tend to waste fuel which = your money. Water heaters and furnaces that are 3-4 years old or older should be inspected annually. Replacing outdated appliances with EnergyStar certified ones can save you up to 15% on heating costs. Annual inspections of water heaters and replacing outdated units should be on your winter checklist.
Doors and Windows: Although most of our homes were designed before energy efficiency was a concern, there are many ways you can improve the efficiency of your home especially around doors and windows. You can use a few cheap pieces of weather stripping and bargain caulk to seal the cold out. Take care when purchasing weather stripping as different brands and styles work well in different climate conditions.
Insulate: The most popular way people winterize both old and new homes is increasing insulation. In attics, around pipes, basements and inside walls, insulation keeps the cold air out, the warm air in and the heating costs low. There are many different types of insulation material out there with each having its pros and cons. Expanding foam is extremely effective and can be installed in hard to reach areas but the cost can be extremely high. Whereas, rolled fiberglass insulation can be extremely affordable but may not be able to fit easily into many prime insulation areas. Blown in cellulose insulation is often a great choice for eco-friendly homeowners as it can be made from recycled paper. Discuss your options carefully with your insulation contractor or home winterization specialist. While most homeowners can complete these winterization projects on their own there can be several benefits to hiring a contractor that specializes in winterization. These pros may be better able to identify the best fixes for drafty areas. They are also more familiar with the brands and styles of sealing materials that work best in your location. The cost of hiring a professional is generally easy to recoup in utility bill savings.
