Turning your heater on for the first time can be depressing, but receiving your first heating bill is even worse! Now is the perfect time to winterize your home for the cold days ahead. Here are some tips for you to do around the house that will keep your home warm and the bills lower this winter.
Keeping Cold Air Out
In the winter months you may have noticed currents of cold air in certain spots of your home. The cause can be a number of reasons: old windows, chimneys and poor insulation.
Easy to do Fixes
- Use caulking around windows. If you find holes or leaks anywhere around a window pane, patch it up yourself to keep the cold air out.
- Replace all weather-stripping around doors. Weather-stripping can go bad after so long. You can easily repair them yourself for as little as $10. Supplies can be purchased at any local hardware store.
- Closing the flue in your fireplace.
- Add doors to your chimney.
- If your home has older windows, adding storm windows is a great line of defense against the cold.
- Use heavier curtains in the winter months.
- Keep floor rugs in front of your doors.
- If needed, replace old insulation in attics and basements. Sometimes adding insulation in a ceiling is helpful.
Protecting Your Furnace
You can protect your furnace from extreme cold too. Call a Tudi professional to conduct a furnace inspection before you need to turn it on. This will protect you and your family if anything were to happen to your. A specialist will inspect your furnace and make sure it is running efficiently when it is in use.
Adjusting/Upgrading Your Thermostat
Another great way to cut your costs during the cold months is by adjusting your thermostat. When you are not home, there is no need for the heater to be on full blast. Also, many people find it more comfortable to sleep in cooler weather. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the temperature before you go to bed. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature by timer. If you work a 9-5 job, you can set it to be cooler then and warmer when you get home.
Don’t let the cold cause you any stress this winter season. Prepare your home for the cold and your family and wallet will thank you for it! Contact us today!
