Winterizing: the Early Bird Saves Cash
Fall is quickly coming upon us and with it comes preparation for another harsh and tricky winter season. Remember that old saying about the early bird catching the worm? Preparing now for the effects of winter could earn the bird not just a worm, but also a bundle of cash. You might be asking yourself, why now? Many are still feeling the lasting effects of summer and are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall. Why ruin it by talking about winter and all of the challenges it brings?
Experts suggest several reasons why it is a good idea to go ahead and prepare winterizing for the season. Winterizing early could save you repair prevention, and by taking a few simple steps you could save thousands of dollars. Some of the dangers of not winterizing include: collapsed roof, possibility of fire, carbon monoxide leakage, loss of electricity, higher heating and insurance bills, and possible flooding.
There are several winterizing tips to help make your home more efficient and frugal this winter, many of which are simple, yet often overlooked. The first tip involves avoiding drafts. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that drafts under your doors can waste anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of your energy use. One possible solution is to take a towel, or make your own DIY “snake” at the bottom of doorways to help keep out the draft. It is also suggested that you change furnace filters. Furnace filters actually need to be changed once a month during seasons of continuous heating. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. To keep on top of this, make a monthly calendar reminder to change the filters, or think about switching to a permanent filter, which will reduce both waste and hassle.
If you ask anyone who deals with cold weather often, another common tip includes minding the thermostat. Did you know that you should turn the heat down or off in a building once you leave? This will reduce your heating bill as the average household spends 50 to 70 percent of their energy budget on heating and cooling. Experts suggest dealing with those dead tree limbs before it’s too late. Tree limbs are the number one thing homeowners fail to do before winter sets in. Falling limbs can be harmful for roofs, siding, gutters, cars, and even people. You should also be proactive about plumbing. Make sure your pipes won’t burst after being subjected to the cycle of cold. Shut off the supply of water around the house and outside, and drain and check all the systems.
Nation Wide provides winterizing advice by explaining the crucial need to fortify your roof to prevent ice dams. Ice dams occur when water builds up behind an ice blockage, and can cause damage to ceilings and roofs by allowing snow to leak into your home. This can be prevented by keeping an active watch on the roof and keeping it the same temperature as the eaves. Another suggestion is to inspect the furnace and chimney. Do this by making sure both are in working order and are inspected and cleaned by qualified professionals each year to ensure safe and efficient use.
If you want to find out other ways you can help save energy while winterizing your home, consider taking part in a home energy audit. The audit will help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. It will also tell you where you’re losing energy and provide recommendations on ways to improve. Follow these tips and make the most of your home this winter so you’re not left out in the cold.
