Winter temperatures are not far ahead of us! Even though it may be hard to think about winter weather, now is the time to prepare. Getting your home ready for winter weather now will ease the pain of high energy bills and eliminate the headaches that can arise when trying to tackle home projects once the temperature changes. Here are five things you can do now to get ready for cold temps:
Replace Your Thermostat
The popularity of smart thermostats is growing. These thermostats adjust your home’s temperature based on when you are in your home and your overall home use. These automatic adjustments can decrease heating costs. One estimate from smart thermostat developer Nest states the investment in a smart thermostat can pay for itself over time based on an average 30% reduction in energy bills.
Air Seal Your Attic
Your home has a natural updraft that draws inside air up and out through the attic. Penetration points in your attic floor allow conditioned air to easily escape. Sealing attic penetration points such as light fixtures and chimneys keeps conditioned air inside your home, maintains your home’s comfort and reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system. Take air sealing one step further by sealing leaks around electrical outlets, windows, plumbing penetrations and other areas around your home’s envelope.
Add Insulation
Add insulation after sealing attic air leaks. Increasing the insulation level in your attic is a cost effective way to save money on energy bills. Insulation provides a thermal layer that helps keep energy inside your home.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Changing the direction of your ceiling fans creates an upward draft and redistributes warm air. This is one of the easiest ways to make your home more comfortable during winter and can often be overlooked.
Check Your Heating System
Your home’s heating system will work more efficiently and have a longer life if it’s regularly serviced. Having your furnace serviced now can reduce the risk of a system breakdown during the peak heating season.
Our team can help get your home prepared for winter! Ready to upgrade your insulation and seal air leaks? Contact our office to schedule a free estimate!