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How to Winterize Your Home to Save Money and Stay Comfortable

As temperatures drop, many homeowners worry about skyrocketing energy bills and cold drafts sneaking into their homes. Winterizing your home is an essential task, and the best part is that many fixes are quick and affordable.

Key Steps to Winterize Your Home:

• Seal Drafty Windows and Doors:  Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors where heat escapes.

Insulate Pipes: Prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them in insulation or using heat tape, especially in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces.

• Reverse Ceiling Fans:  Flip the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This pushes warm air down into your living space.

• Inspect Your Furnace: Replace the air filter and schedule a professional check-up to ensure it runs efficiently.

Extra Tips and Insights

Winter can take a toll on your home if it’s not properly prepared. Beyond the basics, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your home is energy-efficient, comfortable, and protected from the harsh weather. Let’s dive deeper into some lesser-known yet highly effective winterization tips that will save you money and keep you cozy all season.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Did you know that up to 30% of your home’s heat loss occurs through windows? Adding insulated window treatments can significantly reduce energy loss.

Options to Consider:

• Thermal Curtains:  These thick, insulated curtains trap heat indoors and block drafts.

• Cellular Shades: Also known as honeycomb shades, they provide an extra layer of insulation.

• Window Film Kits:  Apply a clear plastic film over your windows to reduce drafts without compromising natural light.

By investing in these solutions, you’ll stay warmer and lower your heating costs. Call Us Today For Help! (330) 851-6060

Don’t Overlook Your Attic and Basement

Heat can escape through areas of your home you might not think about—your attic and basement. Proper insulation and sealing these spaces can make a huge difference.

Attic Winterization Tips:

• Check your attic insulation. If you can see the floor joists, you likely need more. Adding blown-in or batt insulation is a cost-effective fix.

• Seal any gaps around light fixtures, vents, or chimneys with foam spray or caulk.

Basement Winterization Tips:

• Insulate exposed walls to prevent heat loss from below.

• Seal cracks in the foundation or around windows to keep cold air out and moisture away.

Maintain Your Heating System

Your heating system works overtime in the winter, so ensuring it runs efficiently is crucial. Beyond changing your air filter, take these extra steps to keep it in top shape:

• Bleed Radiators:  If you have a hot water or steam heating system, bleeding your radiators can release trapped air and improve efficiency.

• Check and Clean Ductwork: Dust and debris in your ductwork can restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder. A professional cleaning can help.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat:  Smart thermostats allow you to set heating schedules, reducing energy use when you’re away or sleeping.

Protect Your Outdoor Areas

Winterization isn’t just about what’s inside your home—it’s also about protecting your outdoor spaces and systems.

Key Outdoor Winterization Tasks:

• Drain and Store Garden Hoses:  Leaving hoses attached can cause water to freeze and burst pipes.

• Shut Off Exterior Faucets:  Locate and turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots. Open the faucets to drain any remaining water.

• Cover Your AC Unit:  Use a breathable cover to protect your air conditioning unit from snow, ice, and debris.

Inspect and Seal Your Fireplace

A fireplace can be a cozy source of heat, but it can also be a major source of heat loss if not properly maintained.

Fireplace Winterization Tips:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent fire hazards.

• Install a chimney balloon or damper to block drafts when the fireplace isn’t in use.

• Use tempered glass doors to minimize heat loss when the fire isn’t burning.

Improve Your Water Heater Efficiency

Your water heater works harder in winter, but a few upgrades can save energy and money.

• Add a Water Heater Blanket:  Insulating your water heater can reduce heat loss, especially if it’s in an unheated space.

• Lower the Temperature Setting:  Set your water heater to 120°F to save on energy without sacrificing comfort.

• Insulate Hot Water Pipes:  Foam pipe insulation is affordable and helps retain heat as water travels through your home.

Pay Attention to Your Floors

Cold floors can make a room feel uncomfortable even if the air is warm. Take steps to keep your floors warm and inviting:

• Add Area Rugs:  Rugs not only add style but also act as an insulating layer to trap heat.

• Use Underfloor Insulation: If you have a crawl space or basement, insulate underneath your floors to block out cold air.

Final Pro Tip: Conduct a Home Energy Audit

One of the best ways to ensure your home is winter-ready is to conduct a home energy audit. A professional can identify areas of heat loss and suggest targeted fixes, saving you money in the long run. Many utility companies offer free or low-cost audits, so take advantage of this service.

By combining these strategies with the basic winterization tips, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home all winter long. If you need help with any of these tasks, your local handyman is just a call away!  (330) 851-6060