These Winter Time Home Improvement Tips Can Save Your Hundreds In Utility Cost

Remodeling is a year round business these days, and home contractors are available to help you prepare for the cold season, plan for fall projects, and make the most of those frigid days indoors. As the fall season comes upon us it is time to make those winter time preparations to keep you warm and to save on those winter time energy bills.


Where to Start

As winter time approaches and the cold sets in, it is vital that you make preparations to stop those drafty areas in your home. Starting with the windows is one of the most important areas to save on energy cost. Most windows leak air over time. Make sure to caulk around all areas of the window inside and out. By caulking you will eliminate cold air drafts entering the home which causes the heater to continue to run. Make sure all glass in the windows is not cracked or missing which could cause cold air to seep into your home. If you have wooden windows make sure the glazing around each pane of glass is not missing or cracked. If you do not have insulated windows, check with your local home supply company to see if and insulation panel or film that can be inserted on the interior side of the window is available. Most companies carry this product.

Check the Doors


Doors are a main problem when it comes to drafts. Over time doors tend to sag or the weather stripping wears out and causes leaks or air drafts. Check around your exterior doors to make sure you do not see daylight entering the home while standing inside your home with the door closed. If daylight is present from the interior, it is almost certain that air is leaking into or out of your home. Make sure to replace any weather stripping around the door and that it seats firmly to the weather stripping once closed.

Check the Furnace


If you have not called a HVAC specialist to do maintenance on your furnace for some time it is very important you do so to make sure the unit is running efficiently. As air passes through these units and dust builds clogging the evaporator core. This is what cools and heats the air circulating in your home. If clogged your unit will have to work double time to keep up with the changing temperatures or may not work at all. Changing the air filter monthly is required, but over time dust will still build up on the interior of the unit.


Your Home Exterior


Walk around your home and check for cracks on any area of the wall surface and corners. Make sure all corners and angles are properly caulked. Allowing air to enter into the home from the exterior will make utility bills rise. Apply caulking to all areas where you suspect air could enter the home from the outside.


Attic Insulation


Check your attic insulation and make sure is has not settled over time. Attic insulation tends to compact after so many years of use. If your attic insulation does not measure approximately 10” thick, you should consider applying more. Insulation is a very important part of keeping the temperature in your home stable. The lack of insulation will cause your HVAC system to work hard to maintain a certain temperature on your home. By applying more insulation you can save on utility costs.


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Ricky Gaspard