With temperatures dropping and snow in the forecast, now is the time to get your home winter-ready. By accomplishing these 10 simple tasks, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and protect it against damage caused by rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.
10 Ways to Get Your Home Winter Ready
Arrange for a Home Energy Audit
This is done by a professional and can help you uncover any issues or problems with your home before the cold weather sets in. Typically an energy audit will:
- Your home’s rating and an explanation of the rating system
- A breakdown of the amount of energy your home will use for space heating, lighting, and appliances
- Your home’s estimated annual energy usage for electricity, gas, or oil
- Recommendations for improving your home’s EnerGuide rating and the efficiency of the home
Feel for Under-Door Drafts
You may be surprised at how much energy we lose underneath doors that are not properly sealed. To cut down on energy loss, you can use a “draft snake” or replace the weather stripping beneath your door.
Seal Around Windows
You may be losing heat around your windows as well. By making sure they are properly caulked, you may cut your heating bill dramatically.
Add Insulation
Many older homes have little or no insulation in the attic. Adding insulation to the attic, walls, or floors can make a big difference in winter (conserving heat) and summer (keeping the cool air in). As of writing, Take Charge NL offers $1,000 on basement and attic insulation for both oil-heated and electrically-heated homes which can be a big savings for many homeowners.
Update your Appliances
By upgrading an old furnace, or purchasing more efficient appliances, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency while keeping it warm during those cold weather months.
Change the Direction of your Ceiling Fan
Do you have a ceiling fan? Did you know that rotating your fan clockwise produces warmer air, and counterclockwise produces cooler air? It’s true!
Install a Smart Thermostat
Keeping temperatures lower at night can save you a lot of money on heating costs. Smart thermostats can decrease your monthly energy bill by as much as 26%, while also keeping you cozy. These devices are designed to replace your existing thermostats and give you greater control over daily heating and cooling.
Did you know Newfoundland and Labrador is home to Mysa developers of a green, energy, and money-saving smart thermostat for electric heaters?
Mysa Smart Thermostat
Lower your Water Heater Temperature
By keeping the maximum temperature of your water heater just a little lower it will consume less energy, which can also save you money.
Drop the Temperature, But Not Too Low
While you want to save money (especially if you’re away), you also need to make sure your pipes don’t freeze and expand, causing connecting faucets and pipes to freeze and break. Covering outside faucets with insulation kits also helps.
Clean your Gutters Regularly
Clear roof gutters and downspouts so they can drain properly and won’t cause issues with ice build-up or water overflow during a storm. Alternatively, you could also install gutter guards to ensure leaves and twigs can’t clutter up and clog your gutters and downspouts.
While not an exhaustive list, these 10 tips to get your home winter ready will go a long way in keeping your home feeling toasty warm, safe from potential damage, and should help you save money on your energy costs. Do you have any winter maintenance tips or advice of your own? Drop us a line and let us know.
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Content credit: Chubb
