Though we are still in the days of air conditioning and tank tops, the colder days are ahead and it makes sense to plan for them now. Preparing your home for colder temperatures is a great way to save money and to ensure that your home will be a cozy and welcoming retreat this winter. Here are some energy-efficiency tips that will help you keep the utility bills low and the comfort high this winter.
Repair or Replace Leaky Windows and Doors
If have old windows or doors that leak air, your furnace will have to run more to keep up. You’ll also experience drafts and cold spots in the house that will affect your family’s comfort. You can improve the performance of older windows and doors with weather stripping and/or caulking to reduce leaks, and by adding storm windows and doors for improved insulation. In many cases, however, it makes more sense to replace them with new, more energy-efficient units.
Insulate the Attic
Heat rises, and if your attic is not properly insulated, much of the heat you pay for will go right out through the roof. If you have not had your attic checked to see if it is properly insulated, now is a good time to do so. If it was last insulated 20 or more years ago, it can probably benefit from having additional insulation installed.
Close Vents in Rooms That Aren’t Used
Do you have a large home with one or more rooms that go mostly unused? Now is a good time to close the vents and make a point to keep the doors closed. There’s no reason to heat a room in which no one will be spending time. If it’s a guest room or the bedroom of a child who has gone off to college, you can open the vents a day before a visit to bring it up to a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade to a More Efficient Furnace
If you have an older furnace, it may not be able to keep up with the demands of another winter, and it’s relying on outmoded technology. New furnaces burn fuel and produce heat more efficiently. Upgrading to a new one can save you money over the long run and make your home more comfortable.
Schedule an Energy Audit
Many homeowners need a little help when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of their houses. For these individuals, scheduling a home energy audit makes sense. A professional auditor can use special skills and tools to evaluate your home for hidden sources of heat loss and make recommendations for energy-saving upgrades.
Do you want to make your home winter-ready? Are you considering adding solar options to make your home more energy-efficient? Please reach out to one of our solar experts. We’ll be happy to help!