Thanks to that pesky Mother Nature, winter is upon us and as any homeowner knows winter brings with it a host of challenges for your home. From cold snaps to blizzards, the winter season can wreak havoc on your energy bills. Which is why it is essential for every homeowner to take steps to properly winterize their homes. Not sure where to start. No problemo. We have created an easy to follow checklist to winterizing your home.
Call & Make An Appointment For An HVAC Specialist To Conduct A Checkup On Your Furnace.
How often you should get your furnace depends on the age of your appliance. If you have a new furnace ( under 10 years) it is recommended to have the appliance checked every other year. For furnaces that are over 10 years old, it is recommended to schedule a yearly checkup with an HVAC specialist. How much will it cost? The cost of the checkup typically will run you around $100-$150. This quick test will ensure your furnace is working properly and identify any issues that need addressing right away.
Prepare Your Pipes For The Cold
One of the most common and costly winter woes many homeowners face is frozen pipes. Which is why it is vital to complete a full pipe check should be one of the firsts tasks of your to-do list. Walk around your home – both inside and out- to check every pipe for signs of leaks or cracks. Even little leak or crack can allow ice to form in the pipes and can cause a big pressure backup causing the pipes to burst.
Make Sure Your Doors & Windows Are Properly Sealed
Did you know that a draft from a window or door can waste anywhere from 5% to 30% of your energy use? Thankfully there are a number of products on the market you can buy to seal your windows and doors easily.
Properly Insulate Your Attic
We all know that heat rises, right? Well if you have not taken the initiative to ensure your attic is properly insulated all that energy you are using to heat your home is just rising and escaping through the attic. So be sure to invest in some weatherstripping and insulation before the cold snap hits.
Secure The Fireplace
While a fireplace is a nice addition to a cozy winter night in, an inefficient flue or improper seals can counteract this benefit when the fire goes out. An inefficient flue allows cold air to filter into your home, causing your heater to work even harder. So be sure to conduct an inspection and correct any issues to save you some money on your energy bills.
While winterizing your home can take a bit of energy and money, having a warm and safe home all winter long makes it worth it.
Stay tuned to Connecticut’s Finest Movers for more handy homeowner tips and tricks.
