Keep your home warm and save some money on utility bills by ensuring your house is prepped for winter. Let’s take a look at areas that commonly let in cold air (or let heat escape), so you can address them.
Check for drafts. Examine the seals around the outside and inside of doors, windows and vents. Inspect caulking and weatherstripping for wear or areas that may be peeling away. Replace if necessary. Electrical outlets, switch plates, baseboards and attic hatches are other places you may feel some cold air entering your home. Some of these areas can be fixed with caulk or a foam sealant. When dealing with electrical areas, you should consult a professional. A drafty window could benefit from curtains or you could use a draft stopper for the base of a door. You may want to use a film insulation kit as a draft blocker for windows. If you find you are making more and more repairs to fix drafts, it may be time to replace these problem areas.
How’s your insulation? Over time insulation can be effected by moisture, heat, pests and vibration due to high foot traffic. The average life span of insulation is 20 years, you may want to check your attic area and examine it. Replacing or adding insulation can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Check your furnace. Don’t wait till it’s 45 degrees out to discover your furnace is not working. Manufacturers recommend that you get your furnace serviced once a year. Schedule this maintenance now. You should also check any filters that may need to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder.
Prevent frozen pipes. Again, if you have insulation around some pipes in your home (attic, crawl spaces, garage), examine it to ensure it’s still in good shape. Set your thermostat at a consistent temperature. If you are going on vacation this winter, don’t turn your heat off or too low. If a really cold spell occurs, leave cabinets that contain pipes open, so warm air can circulate around them. Don’t forget to disconnect your garden hoses to prevent pipes bursting.
Your fireplace is great for adding another heat source and a cozy atmosphere. Schedule to have your chimney cleaned and the flue examined to ensure a tight seal when closed.
Our team is here to help with any window or door replacement. We want your home to be warm and safe over the winter months.