The Winter season is quickly approaching and it soon will become
incredibly necessary to take some needed steps to best prep your
home. Not only can making certain changes keep your home warm but
there are also many opportunities for saving money and energy as
well.
Did you know? Annual Winter storms cause roughly $1 Billion in
property damage. There is so much more to report on so please have
a look to the following for some helpful tips that you may consider
for the upcoming season.
- Turn down the Thermostat – 2-3% of energy
costs can be saved from lowering your thermostat by just one
degree. 10% can be saved from putting the temperature from 72
degrees to 65 degrees for just eight hours per day. Perhaps this
makes sense for when individuals are at work for the day and if
appropriate for their lifestyle will save them big in the
long-run. - Improve your Windows – As replacing windows
with brand new energy efficient ones may be more expensive for
some, it would be advantageous for all to nonetheless update your
existing ones. Ensure that your windows are closed, caulk any gaps
or cracks, use weather strips and window sweeps to have better
seals. - Preserve your furnace or boiler – Gas systems
and heat pumps need maintenance every two years while systems that
run on oil need to be serviced every year. Not much spending goes
into buying a new filter and it is something that can truly lower
your energy costs. - Close dampers when not using your fireplace –
Not only does having your dampers open bring in cold air from
outside but more importantly if kept open they let the heat out
that you have paid for. - Let the heat reach you – Keep furniture and
other objects away from your furnace duct openings, baseboard
heaters and vacuum radiators. In addition, remember to always dust
and clean these heating elements as having no filth or obstructions
in the way allows the heat to reach you and become more
effective. - Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Many heating
devices within the home increases the risk for toxins leaking out
into the living spaces. Having proper Carbon Monoxide detectors
allows the homeowner to breathe easy. It is also imperative not to
use kitchen stoves or to burn coal in a fireplace as both heating
techniques can produce the deadly Carbon Monoxide gas. - Keep the Cold out and Warmth in – Make sure to
seal up borders between specific living spaces where heat is more
desired to be kept in. Also look to the attic and the basement and
ensure that valuable heat is not going to these perhaps unwanted or
less lived in areas. Sealing the gaps and putting in additional
insulation is something that is very easily done by yourself or of
course by a professional at a very reasonable cost. - Save Electricity – Energy Star appliances can
save one a great deal of money every year. When buying products for
your home, make sure to look for the Energy Star label when
deciding on specific models. Home Performance Energy Star
Contractors can also be hired who can save you upwards of 30% on
energy bills with their guidance. Energy Star light bulbs in
particular use up 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs. Many
forms of electronic equipment use up a great deal of electricity
even when turned off as they are still plugged in. It thus becomes
appropriate to unplug devices when not in use or even utilize a
power strip that can be switched off for all of the items plugged
into it. - Freezing Water – Often as water freezes around
our property it can cause quite the substantial risk. Frozen pipes
often cause immense amounts of pressure leading to bursting pipes.
Bursting pipes, water hoses and sprinklers have the propensity for
flooding and if ones home does not have flood insurance, obvious
financial problems arise. Thats certainly not the way we envision
spending our Holidays. Inspecting, sealing and insulating pipes are
an ideal solution to avoiding this unfortunate predicament. - Tree Trimming – While snow covered trees are a
beautiful sight to behold, they do pose the threat of breaking and
falling due to the weight, especially if already dead. Look to trim
back specific trees that are dangerously close to your home,
automobiles, pool, driveway or other valuable locations on the
property. - Prepare Roofs – The way to ready your roof to
the best of its ability for the snowy season is to check it for
leaks and strength and ensure that this is all strong and patched
up. In addition, look to clear out gutters and other gathering
areas on the roof to prevent clogs and proper drainage
systems.
Whether or not this Winter is as mild as it was a year ago, the
necessary due diligence for prepping your home must always be done.
As we have just learned from Hurricane Sandy, Mother Natures might
is relentless and often unpredictable. If a tenant in a home, make
certain that your landlord has gone the extra mile to assure you
that the property is up to date with its preparations. It is always
far more simple and cost efficient to buy the necessary products,
appliances and technology for the Winter season before it is in
full swing. Do not wait until the last minute, the time to start
getting your home organized to protect your wallet, yourself and
your family is now.