Getting your home ready for winter can be a daunting job, but with the right know-how, winterizing your home can be easy and affordable. Today, we’re going to review several tips that will help you save money while preparing your home for cooler weather.
Insulate Your Water Pipes
When the weather outside turns cold, your water pipes could be at risk of freezing. Frozen pipes can burst causing lots of damage to your home. This can be very costly and time consuming to fix. Is your kitchen plumbing located on an exterior wall? Do your pipes run through a finished basement or an unfinished crawlspace? Evaluating the insulation around your pipes is a good practice before the temperature drops.
Replace Your Aging HVAC System
Is your HVAC system more than a few decades old? If so, you might want to replace your unit before winter. Older heating and air systems can become less efficient,causing your electricity bill to skyrocket. By installing a new, energy efficient unit, you will keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. While this is initially a large investment, it will pay for itself over a short period of time. If you don’t have the money on hand, and are in need of a new unit in short order, consider applying for a short-term loan to cover the costs. Get approved quickly and easily and pay it back over 90 days.
Replace Your Furnace Filter
This simple yet essential tip can help your furnace work efficiently and save you money every winter. Take a look at the owner’s manual for your system for more information about the lifespan of your filters. Set a reminder to replace your filter so that your unit runs smoothly. Having a clean filter will not only help your furnace run economically, it will also help increase the air quality in your home.
Add Insulation in Your Attic
Over time, the insulation in your attic can become compacted. When this happens, the insulation loses much of its ability to insulate your home. Before winter arrives, take a quick look at the condition of your attic’s insulation. You may need to add new insulation over the old insulation. You may also need an Attic Cleanup to remove the dirt. If there are signs of water damage, the insulation should be replaced. Having a well insulated attic will keep the heat in your home, saving you money during the coldest months of the year. One thing that has risen in popularity in recent years, is to use a plastic sheet in place of traditional insulation.
Install Weather Stripping
Each exterior door in your home should have weather stripping. Weather stripping is designed to keep out cold drafts that can lower the temperature inside your home. If your exterior doors lack weather stripping, add some. Weather stripping is very affordable and can be found at just about any big box or hardware store.
Follow these simple money saving tips, for a warm home that doesn’t break the bank. Insulate your home and stay nice and cozy all winter long!
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