Heating your home in the winter is a significant cost. Rather than splurge on a brand-new furnace or replacing all your windows, there are several do-it-yourself hacks to reduce energy costs and keep out the cold. Use these winterization tips to prepare your home for the upcoming months.
Five Winterization Tips for Your Home
Seal your windows
Cold air can creep into your house if the area around your windows isn’t sealed shut. At the same time, warm air can escape from inside — and who wants to pay to heat the outside? Check all windows for cracks or holes and replace the caulking. This sealant around windows should be replaced periodically, but especially during the cold winter months. A tube of caulk is available at a home improvement store for less than $3 and is an affordable fix that will help you save money on your heating bill.
Change weatherstripping around doors
It’s time to change the weatherstripping around your doors if you can see light through the edges. For about $5, you can purchase new weatherstripping and replace it yourself to save big bucks. Another way to prevent cold temperatures from getting inside your house is to use a door draft stopper. You can create your own door draft stopper to keep your home insulated by using old socks and a sewing kit. The door will still be able to open and close, and the cost of your high energy bill should decrease.
Improve your insulation
To reduce energy costs, you’ll need to decrease the amount of energy needed to heat your home. Over time, insulation deteriorates, so add more material to your attic to help trap heat. You’ll also want to improve the insulation around crawl spaces, exposed areas of decks and the ceilings in unfinished basements. More energy-efficient insulation will greatly reduce the cost of your heating bill.
Replace your furnace filters
Dirty filters make your furnace work harder and exert more energy. Furnace filters should be replaced every six months, but it’s important to change them monthly during the winter season for a more efficient furnace. Depending on the furnace, filters can be purchased for around $5 or $10 and can be easily changed on your own.
Lower the thermostat
A quick and easy money-saving hack to slash your heating bill is to simply lower the thermostat. Bundle up with extra blankets and wool socks before going to bed. Most people actually prefer to sleep in a colder home. During the day, add an extra layer, like a sweatshirt or sweater, to stay warm if you choose to lower the thermostat to save money on your heating bill.
For more winterization tips, see our post on preparing your car for winter. Taking a few preventative measures, such as sealing spaces around windows and doors, improving insulation, changing furnace filters and lowering the thermostat, will prepare your home for winter conditions and help you save money on your heating bill.
Erin Ellis
Accredited Financial Counselor ®
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
eellis@PFCU.COM