Winterizing Tips: How to Slash Your Heating Bills this Winter

Winter is right around the corner and thankfully, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting warmer-than-average temperatures throughout the country. However, it will still be extremely cold and it is up to homeowners to winterize their homes in every way to ensure that they are perfectly habitable when things get chilly. If you do it right, winterizing your home will not only make it warm and comfortable but will also help you to save money and energy. There are various ways you can prepare your home for winter to keep it warm and energy-efficient.

Inspect your home thoroughly

You’ll need to inspect every inch of your home to ensure that there are no cracks, crevices, and other exposed entry points that could allow the cold into your home. You can use weatherstripping around your doors and window caulking to prevent cold air from entering. Check the roof, gutters, and downspouts and replace any worn roof shingles and tiles. Another important area you must inspect is the furnace. You can hire a HVAC professional to inspect the furnace, clean ducts and if necessary, replace filters to boost its efficiency.

Invest in carpeting

A carpet is a fantastic insulating material that helps retain heat in your home and protects your feet from cold bare floors. Uninsulated floors account for up to 20 percent heat loss from a home and without a carpet, you’ll need to spend more on heating costs to make up for the loss. However, since you will be spending a lot of time inside, you should be ready to clean your carpet regularly, especially if you have a thick pile carpet that can hide a lot of dirt. It gets even worse if you have a dog that keeps shedding hair on it. For daily carpet cleaning, you can invest in a vacuum cleaner specially designed for preventing the buildup of dirt, allergens, and hair on your carpet. It’s also a good idea to hire a professional cleaner regularly during the winter months to get rid of any dirt that your vacuum cleaner might have missed.

Block off any unused room

If you have any vacant rooms in your house, it’s best to block them off completely. Close any vents leading into the room, shut the door and windows, and place an airflow blocker like a blanket along the bottom of the door. This keeps you from having to heat it all winter which can significantly lower your heating bill.

Keeping your home warm and comfortable during the winter can be costly if you don’t prepare your home. By making small adjustments in your home, you can make it more energy-efficient and reduce your heating costs significantly.

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