Now that the leaves are changing and there is a slight chill in the air, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming winter. Just as you prepare for winter by getting your heavy coats out of the closet and bringing your holiday decorations out of the attic, you need to prepare your home for the winter season. Below you will find a few simple tips that will help winter-proof your home and give you more money to spend on holiday gifts instead of high utility bills.
Turn Down the Temperature, Turn Up the Savings
So much of your home’s heat is produced during hours when no one is around to enjoy it. When you’re asleep or away from the house, turn down your thermostat. Dialing it back 10 to 15 degrees per day for eight hours can save 10% on annual heating bills. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, installing one can make this task a whole lot simpler and probably pay for itself within the first year.
Don’t pour money down the drain or send it up the chimney!
Up to 25% of home energy bills go to heating water – before it goes down the drain. Turn your water temperature down to the “warm” setting and save money while reducing the risks of scalding someone. Also, close the damper when your fireplace is not being used. Leaving it open is like opening a window in the middle of winter. All that warm air you’re paying for goes right up the chimney.
Your AC unit needs a scarf too!
Fall and winter debris can cause major damage to your condensing unit if it is left unprotected during winter months. Debris that gets caught within condensing units contributes to rusting and freezing of internal components, which may cause units to malfunction when the weather warms up. Although these units are designed for outdoor use, covering them with a breathable waterproof cover goes a long way to extending the life and efficiency of the unit.
Check your windows and doors to keep the cold outside!
Cold air can be flowing into your home undetected through leaks in windows and doors. On a day when it’s windy outside, check your windows for any air leaks. Typically, air leaks are found around the edges where the windows are hinged or meet another window. Same goes for your doors. Check the weatherstripping around the side and bottom of exterior doors to make sure they are sealed properly.
Protect Outside Bibs from Freezing
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget about winterizing outside hose bibs. Remove all garden hoses that you used during the summer and store indoors.
