It’s Cold Out There!
Brrrr! The cold winds are whipping down the lane. Here we are in the middle of fall…soon another cold winter will arrive along with those outrageous heating bills we all love to hate!
WeatherProof Your Home This Winter
Here are 8 Steps you can take today to weatherproof your home and cut heating costs this winter.
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Weather Test Doors & Windows
Test for leaks using this tried and true method. Light an open candle (be sure this is done when the heating system is not blowing). Move the candle around window and door frames, taking care of course to stay away from draperies or other flammables. If you notice the candle bending and flickering from the wind – you have an air leak that should be addressed.
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Inspect your attic insulation
Adequate attic insulation is one of the best ways to keep heat from escaping your home in winter. Proper attic insulation can reduce utility costs by as much as 30 percent and can dramatically improve the comfort of your home during winter months. Ask us about our fall specials on attic insulation. Click here to learn more about attic insulation.
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Seal gaps around windows, doors, and pipes
Caulk and seal cracks and install weather stripping around doors and windows to ensure a tight seal. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can cut 10 to 15% off your heating bills.
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Ensure Storm Windows are Properly installed
Storm windows add a layer of protection against cold weather, but only if they are properly installed. After installing your storm windows, run the weather test above to identify any leaks.
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Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulating your hot water heater saves energy by reducing heat loss and helps to ensure hot water is available when you need it.
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Insulate Pipes
Insulating pipes on the exterior walls of your home will ensure they do not freeze in winter. Insulated hot water pipes will also minimize heat loss in transit, especially pipes running through uninsulated areas near the exterior walls of the building.
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Insulate Ducts
Often overlooked but very important, be sure to seal and insulate bathroom exhaust and dryer exhaust ducts that pass through your attic to prevent heat and moisture from escaping which could otherwise lead to damaged insulation, cause attic mold, mildew, or other costly damage to your home.
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Update Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already, consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home. Newer models help you better control livings space temperatures even when you are away from home. For example, you can set your home temperature low during the day when occupants are gone. Then have the heating system automatically turn on 30 minutes to an hour before you expect to arrive home. This keeps you from wasting energy during the day or eliminates that uncomfortable wait for living spaces to heat up when you get home.