9 Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home
We all know the signs: morning fog, dark evening commutes, and seemingly endless drizzle. Fall has arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and when the mercury drops, heating bills go up. But a little work around the house now can save you money until spring returns. Here are 9 ways to keep your home warm and conserve energy during the cold months ahead.
1. Flush the water heater.
This often-overlooked appliance needs attention every now and then in order to keep providing you with long, hot showers on chilly winter mornings. Over time, particles and sediment can collect in the bottom of the water heater. To improve efficiency, flush water through the drain valve to clear out the gunk. View a tutorial on how to drain a water heater.
2. Winterize your water lines.
Freezing temperatures can lead to pipe ruptures and flooding. To avoid a major headache, turn off exterior water spigots, disconnect garden hoses, and turn off and drain sprinkler systems. This is also a good time to seal any water leaks around the house. And if you plan to be away from home for an extended period, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees F. Learn additional tips on winterizing your pipes.
3. Reverse your ceiling fans.
You may have wondered about that reverse switch on your ceiling fans. Well, it does serve a purpose after all. Reversing fans so they turn in a clockwise direction in the winter will push down warm air pooled near the ceiling so it circulates in the living space. This easy fix can cut heating costs as much as 10%.
4. Change out filters.
Dirty filters can block airflow and waste energy. Replacing filters in your central air and heating system will improve efficiency and longevity. Some experts recommend changing furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Alternatively, consider switching to a permanent filter. Electrostatic filters trap around 88% of debris and may be more effective at controlling the bacteria, mold, and other particles that cause illness and irritation.
5. Draft-proof your home.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Weather-stripping tape, window snakes, draft guards, and caulking are all useful tools for keeping warmth inside. Pay special attention to doors, windows, and places where two different building materials meet, such as corners and around the chimney. Use the incense test: while avoiding drapes and other flammables, carefully move a lit stick along walls. Where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in. The Department of Energy’s website has recommendations for air sealing your home.
6. Insulate your windows.
Hanging heavy curtains is one way to reduce energy loss through windows. But if you’re not ready to invest in new drapes, window insulation film is an inexpensive alternative. Available in most hardware stores, this plastic shrink film attaches to interior window frames, trapping a pocket of air between the film and the glass. This method can prevent up to 70% of the heat from escaping through windows. Find out how to install window insulation film.
7. Install a programmable thermostat.
For every degree that you lower your home’s temperature during the winter, you can save 1% on your heating bill. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to adjust the temperature around your family’s schedule, and many newer models include Wi-Fi capability for easy remote access anywhere.
8. Seal your chimney.
The chimney can be a major source of heat loss, especially if your fireplace damper is missing or warped as a result of frequent heating and cooling. Fireplace draft stoppers can block energy loss through your fireplace when properly fitted in the chimney. Installation can be tricky, but if your chimney goes unused, this product could go a long way to conserving energy in your home during the cold months.
9. Clean your gutters.
OK, cleaning gutters may not be an easy chore, but it is important, especially after leaves fall and the rainy season begins. Clogged gutters can cause expensive damage to trim and siding or create ice dams on the roof, which lead to leaks inside the house. Get tips on how to effectively clean the gutters.
If you're interested in larger home improvement projects, like replacing your windows or roof, let us know how we can help you save money with a home equity loan. Call 855.575.9352 and we'll answer any questions you might have.