Save Money by Winterizing Your Home Early
The cold winter months can wreak havoc on your home—and your wallet—if you aren’t prepared.
By taking a few hours this fall to winterize, you can keep your home warm and cozy while significantly lowering your monthly energy bills.
Quick Winterization Hacks:
1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Did you know your fan has a “winter mode”? While counterclockwise produces a cooling breeze, switching your fan to run clockwise at a low speed pulls cool air up and pushes the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down.
This simple switch can save you up to 10% on your heating costs!
2. Block the Drafts
Drafts are energy vampires. To find them, move a lit candle around window and door frames. If the flame flickers, you have a leak. Seal these areas with weather stripping or caulk.
For the bottom of exterior doors, weighted draft stoppers are a must-have to keep the cold air out.
3. Insulate Your Windows
If you have older windows, caulk might not be enough. Window Insulation Kits create an airtight barrier using plastic film that you shrink-to-fit with a hairdryer.
They are nearly invisible and incredibly effective at keeping the heat inside where it belongs.
4. Protect Your Water Lines
Frozen pipes are a nightmare. Drain your outdoor hoses and shut off the interior valves to outdoor spigots. For pipes in unheated areas (like crawlspaces or garages), use foam pipe insulation.
For outdoor faucets, a thermal faucet cover is an easy 30-second fix.
5. Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A furnace tune-up ensures your system is running at peak efficiency. A technician can find small issues before they become expensive middle-of-the-night emergency repairs.
Don’t forget to swap in a fresh high-efficiency air filter monthly during the winter for better airflow!
Pro-Tip: If you have unused rooms, close the vents and shut the doors to redirect heat to the areas where you spend the most time. It’s an instant way to lower your heating bill!
“Stay warm, save money.” Find more Home Maintenance Tips at SwagGrabber.
