As November rolls in it’s still fall on the calendar but the weather feels much more like winter. Now is the time to get your home ready for winter’s chill, save some money, and stay cozy. Below is a checklist – tick each off as they’re completed:
☐ Change furnace filters: It’s pretty easy to forget the over-worked furnace filter, but mark it on your calendar to change it throughout the winter months. A new filter will help keep your furnace running more efficiently, keeping your warmer and saving you on energy costs.
☐ Change the direction of ceiling fans: Did you know you can cut your heating costs up to 10 percent just by using your ceiling fan during the winter months in the reverse direction? The reverse direction pushes the warm air pooled at your ceiling, this is an easy way to save a little money and stay warmer too.
☐ Winterize A/C and waterlines: Drain all the hoses connected to your air conditioner and drain the pipes as well. And make sure your water hoses are drained and removed from the water spigot. If you have a window A/C unit, remove it and store it.
☐ Block the drafts: Inspect your doors and windows to feel for any drafts. Drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use! There are easy DIY ways to cure your draft problems – check out the DIY draft snake.
☐ Install storms doors and windows: Want to be more energy efficient? Installing storm doors and windows can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent.
☐ Have the furnace serviced: Keep your furnace running smoothly throughout the cold weather season by having it inspected. It’s more cost effective to replace non-working, or inefficient parts than replacing the whole furnace.
☐ Caulk and weatherstrip windows: Seal any gaps you find around the home with caulk or weatherstrips.
☐ Insulate Pipes: Insulating your hot water pipes can help you save some money via energy costs or frozen pipes that burst.
☐ Clean rain gutters: Be sure that all the debris from the fall leaves is removed from you gutters. Leaving your gutters open so that water can flow freely to avoid icicles and ice dams that can create costly repairs.
For questions about winterizing, or to schedule an estimate for home repairs contact B.L. Ward & Associates at 302.312.6051, or email us at questions@blwardassociates.com. We are here to help you keep your home your best and proudest investment.
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