Energy Efficient Home – Winterize

Baseball season is over, and football season is in full swing.  You know what that means: we’re gearing up for wintertime.  With the change in weather, it’s time to make some changes in our homes to make sure that they are more energy efficient.  There a lot of easy, little things you can do around your house to make a big difference.

 

A great idea that goes a long way is adding insulation.  If your hot water heater is more than seven years old, wrap it in a pre-cut jacket or blanket, available at hardware stores.  While you’re at it, check out attic insulation products.  Insulating your attic, especially the roof, will prevent (or at least diminish) heat transfer from the room to your roof, which causes snow to melt and then freeze.

 

An even easier project would be to install a programmable thermostat, which costs about $50-$80, but saves an average of $180 each year.  All you have to do is program it to automatically lower the temperature while you’re not home or sleeping.  Also keep in mind that you won’t need as much heat if you’re cooking or baking– turn down the thermostat and let your stove or oven warm up your house!

 

Also be sure to check the weather stripping and caulking around your doors and windows.  If it’s peeling, cracked, or just plain old, repair or replace it as needed.  What’s even better– though quite a bit more expensive and involved– is investing in energy efficient, dual-paned windows.

 

Finally, saving some of the simplest for last, are two DIY solutions for winterizing your home.  First, on those gloriously sunny winter days, open your blinds and/or curtains and let the sun warm your rooms!  Just before the sundown, close them back up, and trap the warmth inside.  Second, combat shrinking wooden doors and sneaky drafts by getting a couple draft blockers for you doors.  Or, better yet, make them yourself with a simple sewing project that involves material, thread, and rice!

Want more ideas to winterize your home, email Brian at brian@phillydiy.com.