We may be in the middle of a heatwave right now, but if you’re a homeowner, summer is the time to start planning your home’s winter needs if you’re looking to not break the bank. If you live in an area with a colder climate, you know how low the winter temperatures can get—burr!—causing a sigh and a slight shake of the head, along with a mental checklist of all the preparation that lies ahead for homeowners.
Being a homeowner isn’t merely a title – it’s a responsibility. It involves the critical task of maintaining not only our living space but also our commitment to the environment. Why is this commitment so vital? The answer is straightforward: our Earth’s atmosphere is under continuous strain, experiencing a steady decline in quality. Consequently, it becomes paramount that we align our lifestyles to foster Earth’s well-being.
This alignment involves embracing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while championing the principles of recycling and reusing in all facets of life. Why energy efficiency? Because it eases environmental strain, cuts consumer costs, and diminishes dependency on fuel imports.
When it comes to weather-proofing our homes for winter, this principle of energy efficiency should serve as our guiding light. Here are some strategies that will help ensure your home remains warm and inviting, without burning a hole in your wallet or contributing to environmental degradation, as we weather the cold months to come:
Monitor The Thermostat
You flit in and out of the house during the day. Making tiny adjustments to the temperature setting, like decreasing it a notch when you are not home, will save dollars. Once you’re home, reset the thermostat according to your comfort level. Either that or you set up a programmable thermostat.
Remodel
Nobody likes moldy frames, drafty windows, and the overall uninviting look of their house. Some might view the winter season as an opportunity to stop stalling and get around to renovating their house. Hire professionals like Windows Direct USA Remodeling Company to install energy-efficient windows in your house. They offer free consultations and cost estimates.
These windows are long-lasting and attractive, and they cut down your energy bill with their unique designs. The glass in the window lets the light in, but its indium coating does not allow the heat to escape from the house.
Make The Sun Your Friend
It would be wise to make use of the natural heating system. The curtains should be kept open on all the south-facing windows with energy-efficient glass during the day and closed at night. That way, your house gets warm with natural sunlight and you get to enhance comfort and save money simultaneously.
Find The Leaks And Insulate
You would be surprised to know the number of sneaky leaks around the house. These leaks can be in your attic, the bottom of the doors, the chimneys, or the floor. Each leak demands a tailored approach to fix it in an energy-efficient manner. A competent professional can do an exhaustive inspection for you.
Insulation is the next step for which sheep’s wool may be viable. Proper insulation reduces the need to heat up the house excessively—another cost-saving, effective way of winterizing homes. With crazy temperature drops during the winter season, you must do all you can to ensure your and your family’s comfort and safety while maintaining financial security.
Fireplace Optimization
Before firing up the fireplace, have an inspector check the hibernating chimney animals and their makeshift habitats. A thorough chimney sweep would resolve that problem and remove accumulated debris and soot.
Winter comes, and you have the fire cackling in your fireplace already. It would be wise to contain that heat. Proper insulation of exposed floorboards, doorframes, and windows would help keep the house comfortable.
Deep Cleaning Gutters
Autumn leaves its remnant in your gutters; we’re talking about those dead leaves that clog them. It can be a problem for the first snowfall. Pluck out the leaves and wash off the mud. You can set up a gutter guard. They need periodic checks too, but it is slightly less tedious than the routine manual cleaning of the gutters. With that done, you have one less thing to worry about. There is nothing better than a clean gutter to welcome the first snowflake. May it melt and wash away easily!
Rotate The Ceiling Fans
Did you know the direction of the ceiling fan determines the temperature of the wind it blows? In summer, the fan is supposed to spin counterclockwise. It causes a downdraft, letting you feel the cool breeze. In winter, the fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft. It helps the hot wind to blow around. With this simple tactic, you can save energy and money.
Prepare The Roof
The roof over your head is meant to serve its purpose of keeping the inhabitants safe from threats. One such threat is the winter, provided effective measures have yet to be taken. Notice how most of the measures we discuss are preventative to help you make cost-effective, energy-efficient choices to spend the winter season with nothing but a cup of warm drink in your hand and your favorite show running on Netflix.
The dream comes true when you ensure the roof is weatherproofed with no area left unexposed. Get a ladder and check the junctions and the loft for the risk of possible water damage. You could have an expert do weather-proofing for you. A litter DIY here and there is okay. But better not take any chances against the mighty throes of chilly winter air.
Winterizing the home can be challenging. Rapid temperature changes bring along episodes of freezing and thawing, which can take some work to respond. However, if winterizing is done the right way, it maximizes comfort and minimizes energy consumption. It helps you ensure that your house is safe from changing weather risks.
There is much to take care of, especially when living in a house built decades ago. It is palpable that you need measures that would be durable, economical, and safe. Therefore, a little investment in remodeling would go a long way in ensuring your safety and well-being around the year.
