Winterizing your home before the bitter cold months roll through can potentially save you time, money, and the stress of unexpected emergencies. Getting your house ready for winter can even mean staying more comfortable when the weather outside is extreme. Whether your home is new or many years old, it's important to prepare for the stress that cold weather can place on various elements of your property. Below you'll find some of the most important steps in preparing for winter so you can implement them before the weather impacts your home.

 

1. Check Your Insulation

Insulation is crucial for keeping heat inside of your home. It's estimated that a lack of insulation can result in up to 35% heat loss during the winter just through the walls of your home. The cost of adding insulation is well worth it for maintaining a comfortable environment during the coldest winter months. What's even better is that added insulation will reduce noise transfer and keep your interior cooler in the summer.

 

2. Cover Your Windows 

Covering your windows with insulation film or even curtains can be incredibly beneficial for keeping your home warm in the winter. This easy DIY solution can even reduce your energy bills because your heater won't be pushed on as frequently.

 

3. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be set to run counter-clockwise to help push warm air down and keep air circulating. Most brands of ceiling fans can be programmed to do this quite easily and it can result in feeling degrees warmer without increasing the temperature of your thermostat.

 

4. Stop Door Drafts

Even when your exterior doors are closed, warm air can escape through small crevices. One of the best ways to stop this from happening is by placing a door draft stopper on the bottom. These can be found online or in stores and are low in price for the energy savings they provide.

 

5. Invest in a New Thermostat 

If you don't have a programmable thermostat, you may want to think about investing in one. This can learn and adapt to your schedule so it turns on only when you're home or the temperature reaches a certain point that you set. Over time, this can save you a considerable amount of money on your energy bills while also keeping your home quite comfortable in the winter. Smart thermostats can even be used from your cell phone, so you can adjust the temperature even while you're not at home.

 

6. Buy Plumbing Insulation Sleeves

Living in an area with bitterly cold temperatures can mean your pipes are at risk of breaking. Insulation sleeves made specially for pipes can help you avoid this. These are affordable, easy to find, and easy to install yourself. The peace of mind these provide when it comes to keeping water freely flowing in your home makes it worth it!

 

7. Schedule Winter Maintenance

Winter maintenance for your heater will ensure everything is working properly and the unit is ready for the colder months ahead. Even if your unit has been working well for a while, there could be small issues that turn into larger problems once you start turning the heater on. Getting maintenance is the most cost-effective way to double-check the health of this appliance and ensure it can handle the colder months ahead.

 

8. Let Light In

Even when it's chilly or freezing outside, it's a good idea to open your blinds or curtains on sunny days. The sun will effectively help warm up your home by at least a few degrees. If used in conjunction with window film, you'll prevent air from escaping while still enjoying the warmth of the sun.

 

9. Dress Warm

When inside during the winter, you'll stay much warmer if you wear weather-appropriate clothing. Socks, fleece pants, and sweaters are crucial for keeping comfortable inside. Blankets on your couches can also keep you cozy without having to turn up the thermostat.

 

10. Change Air Filters

When was the last time you had your air filters replaced? If it has been a while, do this before the weather begins to change. Clean filters allow the air to flow more freely, which will maximize the use of your heater.

 

Preparing for the Winter Months

Lack of preparation is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in your home before winter. Fortunately, it doesn't take a lot of effort to get your home ready for the cooler winter months. By utilizing the tips above you can save money, keep your home warm, and increase your comfort even when it's freezing outside. Which tip will you get started with first?

 

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for 123 Electric Service