Five Simple Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather
Source: Moneycrashers.com
No matter where you live, winter probably brings a fairly significant change in climate, and homeowners have a long list of tasks to complete to winterize their homes. Taking care of these crucial tasks can help you save money on utility bills in the long run. Prepare for winter now, and you’ll be glad you did when cold weather settles in.
1. Clean Rain Gutters. Having clean gutters not only makes your home look nicer, but it can also help prevent the build-up of ice on your roof, reduce the risk of infestation and decrease the risk of mold in your home. If you don’t have leaf guards on your gutters, you might have to take several passes until all the leaves have fallen off the trees.
2. Trim Trees. Take a stroll around your yard and examine your trees closely and trim any weak branches that look as if they could cause problems during winter storms. Trimming the trees during mild weather is much easier than trying to do it when it’s frigid outside.
3. Check for Leaks. Now that the nights have cooled down, you can probably locate drafts coming into your home. Find those leaks around your doors, windows, lights and switch plates and seal them up before winter. Energy Star estimates that sealing the leaks around your home can help you shave as much as 20% off your heating and cooling costs.
4. Check Your Furnace Filter. Before you start running your furnace, check the filter as it may be dirty and need to be replaced. Having a clean filter helps your furnace run more efficiently, this can save you energy and money. According to Planet Green, a clean filter can save you 5% to 15% on your heating bill.
5. Add Insulation. Have you insulated your water pipes, attic and hot water heater? If you haven’t, this relatively easy project can help trim your water heating costs this winter, especially if your water pipes run through a chilly or unheated basement. The Department of Energy states that adding insulation is one of the best ways to save energy all year round. How do you know if you have enough insulation, or if you need more? Use the Department of Energy’s Insulation Fact Sheet; it tells you how much insulation you need (the R-value) based on your zip code. Most homes require 12 to 15 inches of insulation in their attic.
