Winter is almost here! While you are planning on what gifts to buy for the holidays, you should be conscious of the updates you should be making to your home in preparation for the winter, afterall the cold winter months are the time when we spend more time at home.
Our home gives us warmth, and in these cold winter days is when we use more power. Getting high-energy bills drains our wallet so we must ready our home to help reduce energy consumption. We came up with a list of what you need to do to maintain your home this winter and help you bring down your energy bill.
Seal windows and doorframes
Caulk windows and your doorframes to prevent heat from escaping. If you have cracked windows, seal them, we don’t want to let the heat escape and cause your energy bill to skyrocket. Sealing gaps around windows and doors can save you up to 15 percent on your energy bills. Also, if you have openings in structure, the water can get in and freeze which may turn into cracks or build up mold so be sure to check any leaks.
Check your heater
You don’t want your heater breaking down on a cold winter night. It is important that you have it checked to ensure that it is working to its maximum efficiency. Simple things like replacing your heater’s air filter, cleaning and removing dust from vents can also help your heater run efficiently.
Check your insulation
Insulation reduces the heat flowing out of your home. Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home will be large of not properly insulated. Seal holes, weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out of the top of your house.
Use a thermostat
Get a thermostat if you don’t have one. A set-back thermostat can save you energy because it allows you to automatically turn down the heat when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping. Using a set-back thermostat can cut heating costs up to 75%.
Reverse the ceiling fan
Reversing the switch on your ceiling fans can force the heat back down into the room. Clockwise rotation makes an upward draft that sends the warmer air pooled near the ceiling back into the room, it can help cut your heating costs by as much as 10%.
Close off any unused rooms
Save money by reducing heat loss. Close any unused room so your heater will only concentrate on heating the rooms you use.
