Winter will be here before you know it prepare your home for winter weather before it hits with these tips!
Preparing your home for the long, cold winter ahead is very important not only does it keep you nice and warm on the cold winter nights, but it helps to keep your heating bills down. It is crucial to prepare for the winter ahead before the weather starts to impact. Today, we’re sharing xx tips on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home feel warmer without breaking the bank.
Outdoors:
It is important to clean your gutters out every fall. If you have a gutter cover it makes that process much easier. Covers are inexpensive to buy and easy to install saving you both time and money.
While you’re already on the roof be sure to inspect it for any damage. Clean off any debris the best you can and trim any branches that may be overhanging. Consider installing snow guards to help with snow buildup and a snow roof rake if you live in an area with large snowfalls. Don’t forget to inspect the attic as well for any potential water damage.
Bring inside or protect any outdoor furniture, grills, rugs, and gazebos. Winter is rough on outdoor furniture so if you can put away those items for the season. Store them in your shed, garage, or basement whenever possible, If you don’t have space to store seasonal items consider covering them with the proper protection. If you have a grill make you clean and close the propane off to prevent the cold from evaporating. Don’t forget to bring in plants and flowers that don’t adjust to the cold weather.
Stock up and prep for the upcoming season. Check your equipment prior to the season for any damage, charge batteries, and replace items as necessary. Consider having multiple shovels on hand including a snow rake if you’re prone to heavy snowfall. If you use rock salt or a similar alternative stock up for the upcoming season.
Indoors:
Check your heating system prior to next season’s use and change your filters if necessary. Before your turn on your heat for the upcoming winter season have your system checked by a licensed tech. That way if you need any repairs done you can have them done before the peak season starts. After the season is over it is a wise idea to stock up on filters, propane, oil, or other heating essentials to stay ahead.
Like your heating system if you have additional heat sources like a fireplace or a wood-burning stove you should also have them looked at by a professional. If you use these during peak season it’s important to make sure they are in working condition and clean to prevent a potential fire or infestation. If you don’t use your fireplace it’s a good idea to look into sealing it off. Sealing it off even if temporary will prevent drafts and possible infestations.
Consider adding a storm door to all entry doors and storm screens to your windows. Having a storm door on your main entry doors can considerably save on energy costs. Chaulk around your windows to prevent any drafts from seeping. If your windows are really old and drafty, consider using window strips or covering them with plastic. Thermal or “blackout” curtains are other cheap alternatives to keep out the cold if you don’t use window coverings. They also have door strips to stop any air from coming underneath your door.
Upgrading your thermostat is another way to help you save on energy costs. Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient thermostat with programmable features. Having set temperatures when your both home and away can help you save money.
Seek help:
After you tried everything and still feel like your bills are out of hand consider an energy audit from your local energy supplier. This may be done at little to no cost to you. They will come out and test your home to see where you’re losing energy and how you can improve on it. Some providers may even offer an energy program for consumers to help cover the cost of improvements. These programs are income-based so be sure to check with your provider to see if you qualify.
Do you have any other tips that we may have missed? Feel free to leave them in the comments below and check out this article on how you save money on heating and cooling bills.
Jacqueline is a thirty-something mother to five children under the age of twenty. While she’s not busy attending to her large family she enjoys writing about organization, crafts, and DIY projects, creating recipes, and blogging about her family.
Leave a Reply