Prepare Your Home for Winter with These Energy Efficient Tips

Though we are still in the days of air conditioning and tank tops, the colder days are ahead and it makes sense to plan for them now. Preparing your home in advance for the colder temperature is a great way to save money and to ensure that your home will be a cozy and welcoming retreat when the temps start to dip. Here are some energy-efficient tips that will help you keep the utility bills low and the comfort high this winter.

Repair or Replace Leaky Windows

If have old windows that are constantly leaking air, your furnace will have to run more to keep up. You’ll also experience drafts and cold spots in the house that will affect your family’s comfort. You can repair older windows with weather stripping and/or caulking to reduce leaks. However, in some cases, it makes more sense to replace them with newer energy-efficient windows.

Insulate the Attic

Heat rises, and if your attic is not properly insulated, much of your heat may go right through the roof. If you’ve not had your attic checked to see if it is properly insulated, now is a good time to do so.

Close Vents in Rooms That Aren’t Used

Do you have a large home with one or more rooms that go mostly unused? Now is a good time to close the vents and make a point to keep the doors closed. There’s no reason to heat a room in which no one will be spending time. If it’s a guest room or the bedroom of a child who has gone off to college, you can always open the vents a few days before visits to make sure the room is comfortable in time for visitors.

Upgrade to a More Efficient Furnace

If you have an older furnace, it may not be able to keep up with the demands of another winter. Upgrading to a new, more energy-efficient furnace could save you money over the long run and make your home more comfortable this winter. Speak with a professional about what options are available and the benefits of each.

Schedule an Energy Audit

Many homeowners need a little help when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of their houses. For these individuals, scheduling a home energy audit makes sense. A professional auditor can use special skills and tools to evaluate your home and make recommendations for energy-saving upgrades.

Do you need help getting your home winter-ready or want to consider solar options to make your home more energy-efficient? Please reach out to one of our solar experts. We’d be happy to help!