Cold weather will come knocking at our doors before we know it as winter is right around the corner. Here are some helpful hints to get you ready for a more comfortable and less energy-consuming winter.
Weather-stripping and caulking can help reduce energy waste during colder months when your heater is keeping you warm. You can essentially end up throwing away 10-15 percent of your heating bill if your home isn’t properly sealed. To make sure you are all sealed up, check around doors and windows for potential drafts. If you notice any holes or cracks, be sure to weather-strip or caulk them in order to keep heat in.
If you come to the conclusion that your windows are presenting too much of a leak, it may be time to replace them. By replacing your windows, you will reduce energy costs. However, it should also be noted that replacing windows can be quite expensive. The reduced energy costs will take some time to add up but if you can afford it, new windows will be worth it in the long run.
If you have a working fireplace in your home, close the damper if you aren’t using it. This is a very simple and quick way to cut back on energy costs instead of losing heat through the opening.
Another factor that should be looked upon when gearing up for cold weather is your insulation, particularly in your attic. Without proper insulation, your attic can lead to much of your homes heat being lost. It’s possible that your home may not have insulation in your attic altogether. If it doesn’t, it’s a good idea to get it insulated. Heat rises so without that insulation, heat will be lost through your walls and ceiling.
If you haven’t yet done so, you should always have your heating system checked out before winter hits. Routine maintenance inspections will ensure that your system is in proper working order and will save you a headache (as well as a cold home) if things aren’t working when they should be. If your system is getting old, think about upgrading to a newer model.
Lastly, to most efficiently keep energy consumption from getting out of hand, always remember to set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you leave your home or when it isn’t needed. It takes less energy to warm up a cooled home than it does to keep constant heat maintained.
Source: Consumer Energy Center
