Everyone wants to save money and now that we are officially knocking on "old man winter's doorstep" below are some tricks that can improve your home and save you money during the winter months.
1) Cover holes around electrical outlets. If you feel air is a little cooler around your outlets then losing air through the outlet.
2) Add insulation. Normally insulation is added to the attic but also think about your crawl space, garage, and basement. If your insulation is over 20 years old adding a layer would be beneficial. Put down area rugs on tile and wood flooring and this will create an added layer of insulation. Not to mention keep your feet warm!
3) Use insulated drapes.
4) Caulk around windows and doors to seal any cracks and holes where air can escape or come through.
5) Reverse ceiling fans. When I first heard this I thought "gee what an odd suggestion", but reversing your ceiling fan to run clockwise will circulate warm air into your room.
6) Get a programmable thermostat. You can set the thermostat lower after you go to bed and raise it when you get up.
7) Replace outdated furnace and heat pump and put a blanket around your water heater. This will seal in the heat and keep water hotter longer.
8) Do an energy audit. Hire a professional to come to your home and help determine where you are wasting energy. Many power companies will offer these audits to customers for free!
9) Close vents and shut doors. Shut off rooms you do not use, this will keep heated air concentrated in areas that your family uses which leads to monetary savings!
Also, winter is a time where problems can occur so make sure you keep your eye out for the following:
1) Frozen pipes that freeze during the winter can burst and cause very costly water damage. Add insulation to pipes and leave your thermostat on no lower than 60 degrees to help prevent pipes from bursting.
2) Ice dams are caused when the heat inside your home causes snow or ice to melt on your roof. This can cause roof leaks and can damage walls and ceilings. To protect against this problem keep your attic cold no more than 5-10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature and seal holes from lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to prevent warm air from flowing into the attic.
3) Trim your tree limbs and remove dead limps which will prevent them from falling on your home and causing other damage.
4) Clean your fireplace to avoid buildup of flammable components and get a carbon monoxide detector. Fires unfortunately are very common in the winter months so make sure you and your home are protected.
If you follow these suggestions not only will you have a safer home during the winter but you may have more money for your spring and summer vacations!
With temperatures dropping to single digits in most of the country and even low double digits in most of the southern states, its very important that all of us take necessary precautions in and around our houses.
What's a few hours of your time worth? After all, the safety and well being of your family is the only thing at risk!
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