As the cold weather approaches, it is time to start thinking about home winterization. That’s because, when you learn how to winterize a house, you can make your home more energy-efficient. Not only is this good for the environment, but effective home winterization is also good for your budget – since a winterized home will translate into lower heating and cooling bills.
Tips for winterizing your home: Exterior
To get your home ready for the cold weather, home winterization begins with the exterior of your house. First, take some time to walk around and check out your home’s roof, gutters, windows, and siding, since you may be losing money and energy efficiency due to damage, wear and tear, or leaking.
By shoring up roofing, gutters, windows, and siding, you can winterize your house effectively, saving you money over the long run.
Consider the following:
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Roofing
Is your roof letting in air or moisture? Do you have any leaks or worn out shingles? Or is the roofing material/product one that is not very energy-efficient? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider roof repair or replacement.
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Gutters
If you have not taken a look at your gutters or downspout recently, now is the time to do so – or leave it up to a professional to assess. Leaves tend to clog these areas and become backed up over time; small animals, birds, and insects can also create a “home” in these areas that may block water and prevent proper drainage as well. If leaves are a major problem for your gutters, you may wish to install leaf guards to help, too.
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Windows
Windows are an area of the home where you can really improve on energy efficiency if the windows are properly installed and sealed. Leaks – even small ones – can allow heat to escape in the winter. So weather stripping, caulking, or installing a window film may be important to do now. However, if the windows themselves are made from single-pane glass, all the caulking in the world will not help as much as installing energy-efficient windows would. Trading single-pane for double-or triple-pane glass can help significantly, as can considering Low-E (low-emissivity) or other energy-efficient varieties.
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Siding and insulation
If the siding on your home – or insulation underneath – is old, worn out, or made of poor-quality materials, you are essentially allowing valuable heat to escape your home every cold winter day. Yes, the initial cost can deter a homeowner. But the investment to improve your siding and insulation can, over time, allow you to enjoy a warm home that is not overworking your heating and cooling systems. In the long run, it will save you money, too – while being more environmentally friendly.
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Sprinkler pipes
This is an important step toward home winterization. If you have outdoor irrigation, be sure to get your sprinklers blown out and closed down before the first frost. Otherwise, you risk having the underground pipes freezing and cracking, costing you more time and money in repairs come spring.
Tips for winterizing your home: Interior
There are areas inside your home that you can winterize as well, including:
The furnace
Simply replacing your furnace’s filter can make it more energy-efficient. According to Lowes.com, you should replace the filter once every 3 months. So if you get in the habit of changing your filter each season, you will be fully ready and winterized this year!
The fireplace
Your fireplace (including the chimney) should be cleaned out before the winter. To rid it of soot, animals, or ash that could become a danger when you decide to ignite a fire in it. A chimney sweep can inspect the chimney and fireplace to ensure it is ready for the cold winter months.
The thermostat
Program your thermostat (or purchase a programmable thermostat, if you do not already have one) so you can run it based on your family’s schedule. Not home during the day? Run the thermostat at a lower temperature to save on heating costs.
The fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home, adjust them so they run clockwise. When they run counter-clockwise, the hot air rises – and stays there – which is the opposite of what you want in the winter. By running your fan’s blades clockwise, the warm air will be pushed down into the room, toward the floor, keeping you warm (bobvila.com).
Your pipes
Be sure to continually check your pipes during the winter, as you do not want them to freeze when temperatures plummet. One way to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting is to periodically run warm/hot water through them.
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company: Home Winterization at Its Best!
Instead of googling, “home winterization services near me,” look no further than Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company. For years, Mid-Atlantic has been providing top-notch home winterization services in the Maryland area with professionalism and integrity. We use only the most highly qualified contractors and the best quality materials. So you can enjoy a fully winterized home that saves you energy and money.
Whether you need new windows, siding, insulation – to name just a few! – or even a simple repair, call us today at (410) 918-0563 for a quote. Or, to learn more, check out our portfolio, and read more about us, simply visit Mid-Atlantic online at https://midatlanticremodelingco.com/.
