Easy ways to save energy with your heating system
Install a programmable thermostat. Did you know the Department of Energy recommends keeping the heater at 68°F during the day in the winter? To keep energy costs down, a programmable thermostat is ideal. This gadget lets you customize your heating system to reduce the temperature where possible and warm things up when it’s time to get comfortable. Test your thermostat before heavy winter use so it stays in working order when freezing temperatures arrive. In home winterization, acting sooner with thermostat checks and programming can help homeowners pay less and save money on heating.
Keep drafts out of your home. Drafts around doors and windows let cold air in and reduce heating efficiency. Weather stripping, door sweeps, storm doors, and storm windows are a few simple additions to seal heat loss during the winter months. For example, you can use plastic film or an insulator kit on drafty windows; sealing windows with one is typically about $6 per window in cost. These add-ons can be inexpensive and easy, especially when you consider the savings you’ll see on your monthly heating bill.
Clean or replace your furnace filter. Before you turn your furnace on, don’t forget to clean or replace the filter every 1-3 months. A dirty filter clogged with lint, pollen, dust, and other gunk can spread allergens throughout the house, obstruct airflow, and lead to expensive repairs. Professional heating system maintenance also helps keep the system installed in efficient working order, and a furnace inspection may cost around $100-$500. Stocking up on your filter of choice early will further simplify this easy task!
Reverse ceiling fans. Most ceiling fans allow you to change the direction and speed of the rotation. By simply reversing your fans and slowing them down, warm air will be pushed gently down to floor level, creating a more comfortable environment without upping your heating bill.
Get an energy audit. Your local power company may offer energy assessments. This service is often free, and will help you identify changes to make your home more energy efficient and save on your energy bill.
Safety tips for winter and preventing frozen pipes
Protect your pipes. For much of the United States, the coldest months bring the risk of frozen pipes that can burst and cause water damage, so winterizing helps prevent costly problems like pipe breaks and ice dams. You can winterize indoor pipes with insulation, including insulating your plumbing system, drain exterior pipes, and turn off and insulate exterior faucets. Keep garage doors closed during very cold weather, let faucets drip in extreme cold, and open cabinet doors so warm air can reach pipes. You may also want to purchase pipe sleeves or other materials before a hard freeze. Be sure to take time to check for leaks.
Inspect the attic. Attic importance is twofold. First, it is where roof problems show themselves, with water damage and mold as two common indicators. Second, proper attic insulation is key for keeping heating costs down and the cold out. A typical minimum is 12 inches of insulation. If your inspection reveals drips or cold spots, it’s probably time for roof repair or insulation improvements.
Clean your fireplace and chimney. With over 20,000 fires caused by chimneys each year, servicing your fireplace is critical to keeping your house safe. Start by hiring a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly clean soot and other debris before winter use. Don’t forget to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for safety. Continue to keep your fires safe by cleaning out any ash that accumulates in the firebox.
Trim branches. Snow and ice buildup can cause branches to snap, so trimming dead or overhanging limbs helps prevent damage to your roof and power lines. Trimming foliage near your house and calling in professionals for larger branches will keep your home safe.
Prepare for winter weather conditions. Taking the time to put fall tools away, prep your winter maintenance gear, and store or protect patio furniture from the elements will leave you ready for the season. Clean gutters and downspouts so debris does not clog them, ice dams do not form, and water flows away from your home instead of backing up toward the basement. Use a cover for outdoor furniture, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and store seasonal items until spring or until you return from vacation. A more efficient home can also feel cooler near drafty windows and doors, which may waste energy and cost money, so this is a good time to check seals and your water heater too.
A good move as we enter the new year is to contact one of our dedicated loan officers! They can direct you to local professionals, review financing options, and help you secure a renovation loan to fund projects big and small. Your loan officer will take the time to discuss your mortgage and how we can meet your home financing needs now, and for years to come.