Winter is just around the corner, and it’s time to get ready for the cold days ahead. By completing a few affordable home improvement projects, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars a year in heating costs.
But where do you start?
Conduct an energy audit
Many power companies provide free or low-cost energy audits to their customers. Check with your local provider to find out if you can schedule an audit. During an energy audit, a trained professional will come to your home and search for any energy inefficiencies that could be fixed to save on your energy costs. An audit will help you pinpoint and prioritize the home improvement projects you should invest in now and give you a sense of what types of larger home investments, such as new windows or a new more efficient furnace, you may need to make in the future.
Buy weather-stripping and caulk
Around one-third of your home’s heat loss may be caused by air leaks. Why pay to heat the outdoors? Fortunately, this is a simple and relatively inexpensive project you could complete yourself by purchasing caulk and/or foam from a hardware store. Air leaks are often found around windows, doors and electrical outlets.
Check your attic insulation
If you live in an older home, your home may have an insufficient amount of insulation in the attic. Even many new homes don’t have an adequate supply of insulation in the attic. A good way to find out is to check if you can see the floor joists in your attic. Your insulation should be at least 12 inches thick and should cover your floor joists. If you can see the joists, it’s time to add more insulation. Heat rises, so by adding more insulation in your attic, it will help lower your energy bills, and it can make your home feel more warm and comfortable.
Buy a water heater insulation kit
Available at your local hardware store, purchase an insulation kit to wrap around your water heater. The extra insulation can help keep the hot water within your water heater hot when it hasn’t been used. You can also lower the temperature of your hot water, providing additional energy savings.
Buy a programmable thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to save on energy costs by keeping your home at the right temperature at the right times. You can keep it cooler in your home when everyone is at work and school, and increase the temperature when everyone is home. Smart thermostats allow you to change your home’s temperature through a phone or internet app, and can even adjust temperature settings and make recommendations based on your family’s energy usage.
Don’t feel you have to do everything all at once before the snow flies. Make a checklist and work your way down your prioritized list. Taking care of your home adds value to your investment, and you can feel proud when you accomplish the work yourself.
