When the cold days of winter arrive, it seems like it’s all too easy to feel the chill of those drafts coming through your windows and doors. Guess what’s being sucked back out? All your hard-earned money. With heating and energy costs skyrocketing, you may feel you’re going broke just trying to keep your home warm and cozy while those cold winds blow.
It’s time to take charge of your home and your wallet and show winter who’s boss. Here are 10 simple, low-cost improvements you can make to save on energy costs and perk up your home at the same time. Give these tips a try, many of which won’t cost you a thing:
Install Storm Windows
It’s through your windows where you will lost most of your heat (and money). Fight this loss by installing storm windows, which are mounted outside of your regular windows to better insulate against bad weather. If you can install them yourself, saving on labor costs, it will cost about $200 to $300 per window. Or, mimic the effects of storm windows by putting plastic over them for about $20. You can add clear acrylic sheet which you can get from acrylic printing services in front or behind the window, known as secondary glazing, giving good optical clarity but creating a closed pocket of air similar to double glazing.
Weatherstrip
A less expensive but still effective option is weatherstripping your windows, which will block those leaky cracks. It costs about $150 per window for a professional job, or a few bucks for supplies if you go the DIY route.
Use Your Shades
Your shades are not just there to look pretty. Make them work by using them to your advantage. Keep them open during winter days and closed at night to retain heat. You can find new shades at a variety of price points.
Dodge Those Drafts
Buy yourself a draft dodger, a long, tube-shaped pillow that is placed across the bottom of your exterior doors to keep drafts at bay. You can buy one for about $10 to $20, or put your sewing skills to work and make one yourself. In a pinch, you can even use old towels.
Insulate Your Attic
You don’t need to do a complete attic renovation, but some simple tweaks can keep heat from escaping here. Calculate your needs based on U.S. Department of Energy guidelines, and then install new fiberglass batting or loose-fill insulation based on your estimates. Cost can vary depending on your needs and type of insulation.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
If you have a ceiling fan, run it in reverse over the winter. This will push the warm air, which naturally rises, down to where you are. Cost: free.
Lower Your Thermostat
Turn your thermostat down when you leave the house and while you’re sleeping. In general, you can save 5 to 15 percent per year on your heating bills by lowering your thermostat 8-10 hours every day. You may also schedule hvac tune-ups conducted by a local hvac services contractor. If you need HVAC Services in the Greater Nashville area, you may hire someone from local companies such as Affordable Air Solutions.
Clean Those Gutters
Fall leaves and other debris have probably clogged your gutters, so it’s important to clear those out before winter weather strikes. Ice dams and water damage can be costly expenses, so it’s a better idea to avoid them rather than chance it. While cleaning your gutters, keep an eye out for roof damages as well. If the damages are extensive, a residential roof replacement may be needed.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Typically, water heaters are set to 140 F, which is quite high. By lowering your setting by about 20 degrees, you can save about 10 percent on your water-heating costs.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
A low-flow showerhead will reduce your utility bills. As inviting as it is to stay in a nice, hot shower for an extended period of time when it’s chilly out, it’s better for your skin and for your wallet to make it short – and to use less water while you’re at it. You can pick one up for about $40.
These tips will help you improve the look and feel of your home this winter, while saving you money at the same time. That can certainly make this chilly time of year that much more enjoyable.
