Many people unsuspectingly go through each winter wasting hundreds sometimes even thousands of dollars. You no longer have to be an unsuspecting
individual. With a few helpful winterizing tips, you will save a
significant amount of money, which is better spent on things like a summer
vacation.
Windows and Doors
Start with your windows and
doors. The process may range from inexpensive and basic to a moderate
investment with lifetime savings and potential tax rebates given when you
winterize your home. A few dollars can buy you a plastic window
insulation kit from any local hardware store to protect your house
from counterproductive drafts to keep your heat inside where it belongs.
Just as simply and inexpensively, you can use a draft snake at the
base of all doors which open to the outside, a cold room rarely used
in the winter, or the garage. You should caulk around the edges of
all windows to seal any leaks, as well as insulate around the frames
of windows and doors. The best way to maximize your heating
efficiency pertaining to windows and doors is to buy new
energy star-rated storm windows and doors. You could receive up to
$1,500 in tax credits and you will save thousands of dollars over the
life of the windows and doors and it will raise the resale value of
your home.
Appliances and Heating Systems
If you prefer
to start small, go straight to the water heater and turn the
temperature down to 120F or lower. Any temperature higher is
unnecessary and costing you hundreds of dollars each year. Now, if you have a hot air system,
upgrade your filters to the Department of Energy approved filters.
You should also install a programmable heating control system to
greatly reduce the heat while you are away and asleep when you do not
require as much heat. Hire someone to seal your air ducts. This will
save you money all year and improve the quality of air in your home.
You should also consider upgrading your furnace if it is old. Like installing
new windows and doors, it may cost you money now, but it will save
you money in the end. You should also schedule a fall furnace tune up
in the summer to ensure your furnace is working properly. This
service is often performed free by the supplier, however, make the
appointment early as they are often booked quickly.
Simple and Unconventional
You may
not know that by reversing the direction on a ceiling fan actually
circulates warm air rather than cool air. To maximize your savings,
purchase an energy monitor. It tracks your electricity consumption in
real time which often equates to a reduction of energy by 15-20% when
consumers see their expected monthly bill updated on a daily basis.
The last two tips to save you money are to insulate your pipes and
remove window air conditioning units at summer’s end.
Winterizing a house does not have to be expensive. A few simple tricks can
improve your efficiency greatly. If you are able to see the long-term
benefits, you should consider upgrades. Either way, you will see
significant savings.
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