With the turn of the weather our thoughts also turn to getting your home prepared for winter and the cold-wet weather that comes with it. No one likes the higher electricity bills that seemed to be married to the cooler weather, so it is important to take small steps to winterize your home efficiently.
Here are 4 quick and easy steps you can do over the weekend to help winterize your home:
1) Tighten your ducts – If you have a forced-air furnace or heat pump, a duct system circulates warm air throughout your home. If those ducts get leaky, you can lose up to 20% of your system’s efficiency.
2) Keep your air filter clean – You should check your heating and air filter at least once a month, changing and cleaning as needed. Also, have your system checked at the start of each winter to make sure everything is operating as it should.
3) Buy energy-efficient – Energy-efficient equipment that is sized properly for your house and installed correctly, when combined with the ducts you’ve already sealed, can save you up to 20% on your annual energy costs.
4) Seal your home- Bundling up isn’t just for you and the kids, you should seal the gaps and cracks in your home, most often found along the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors. Don’t forget the switch plates and socket covers located on your outer walls, you’ll want to make sure they’re sealed as well. Attics and basements are also where some of your biggest gaps and cracks can be found, so make sure you check and seal them as well.
In just four easy steps you can ensure your home stays warm and cozy and your energy bills stay manageable.
Tell us what you’re doing to keep your energy bills to a minimum as winter approaches in the comments!
Image courtesy of Flickr – Creative Commons License – Photobobil
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