The weather is taking a turn toward winter.
From frost on your windshield to digging out your winter clothes, we're in for a few months of cold, clouds and possibly some snow!
Whether your home heating is on gas or electric, it's also the season where utility costs go up as we try to keep the cold outside and the warmth inside.
Fortunately, there are a few low-cost ways you can "winterize" your home to reduce heating costs and actually enjoy cozy season! Here are some suggestions you can tackle over your Thanksgiving break.
Seal Drafts
Cold air sneaks in through windows, doors, and even outlets. To find where drafts are coming in, run your hand along the edges of doors, windows and outlets to see what feels cold. (Some people do this with a candle and watch where the flame flickers.) Once you know where your drafts are, consider running to the hardware store to pick up these items:
- Self-adhesive weatherstripping for door frames
- Draft stoppers for the base of outside doors
- Caulk for window gaps
- Foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls.
Layer Your Curtains
You don’t need fancy insulated drapes, but putting up a second layer of curtains can help. If you don't have "new curtains" in your budget, you can actually just throw a fleece blanket over your curtain rods to create a second layer.
Reverse Ceiling Fans to “Winter Mode”
Flip the small switch on the fan so your fan is turning clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down without creating a breeze, which can be especially helpful for homes with high ceilings.
Add Rugs or Floor Mats
Bare floors (especially wood or tile) can get cold, particularly if the floor below you (like a basement or crawl space) isn't well insulated. Adding even a few inexpensive rugs can help keep your feet warm and block cold air from coming up through the floorboards.
Close Off Unused Rooms
Keep doors shut to spaces you rarely use (guest room, storage room, closets, the basement stairs, etc.). This helps your heating system warm the spaces you actually use more efficiently.
Get Out the Blankets
It's cozy season, after all, and it's a great season to snuggle up under a blanket and binge watch that new series or curl up with a good book. Wear slippers or extra socks and dress in layers!
Get Your HVAC Checked
A lot of local heating companies are offering low-price tune-ups on heating systems. A technician can make sure your furnace is operating efficiently and cleanly, and they can detect problems before they happen. In addition, changing your air filters and making sure your air ducts are clean and vents are not blocked by furniture can also help.
Consider Insulation Upgrades
Now is also a good time to have your insulation assessed. Insulation can degrade or compress over time, and you may want to consider adding insulation to your basement or attic. (Doing this can help you save money in the summer, too, when you're running the air conditioning.) Come talk to CommonWealth One about how a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance can help you pay for this upgrade. We can also help you figure out how to finance a new, more energy efficient furnace or heat pump.
We hope your winter is cozy and warm in all possible ways. We look forward to seeing you this holiday season at CommonWealth One!
