Save $$$ this Winter!!!
During the winter months it’s important to reduce your home’s overall heating costs and energy use. Here are a few tips that any homeowner can follow to ensure that their home will run at a lower cost during these cold New England months.
- The outside of your home is just as important as the inside of your home when it comes to winterizing. Make sure to fill any holes from exterior to interior piping or wires with insulating foam to cut down on drafts that may sneak in.
- Don’t forget to disconnect any outside hoses, it could lead to cracked faucets or atleast a ruined hose. Drain all hoses and store them in warm place to protect from cracking and splitting.
- Cleaning out your gutters will allow melting ice drain properly after melting and will reduce the chances of water and freeze damage to your home.
- When you fire up your furnace for the first time be sure to open your windows. A mild to strong smell is normal but if it persists be sure to contact a heating system professional to rule out any problems. Make sure you do this before the long, harsh New England winter sets upon you.
- Check your attic to make sure you have enough insulation. On average you should have approximately 12 inches of insulation and it will greatly reduce your heat loss and save you a bundle on heating expenses.
- If you have duct work make sure it is properly connected and ventilated. In the long run you’ll save more money and ensure healthy air quality in your home.
- For older homes, be sure to put down/ in your storm windows. If its a newer home, you can purchase insulator kits that can be applied to each window for under $5 a window and it can be removed in the Spring.
- Have your chimney inspected or atleast cleaned once a year to eliminate creosote build up and to be sure no foreign objects are lodged in there (animals, tree debris, toys etc). If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to a chimney sweep and inspection you can purchase creosote logs that can be burned in your fireplace or wood burning stove. They cost around $15 and can remove up to 70% of the creosote in your chimney or flue.
- Reversing your ceiling fans will force rising warm air back towards the ground. How can you tell? The fan blades should be spinning clockwise. This will allow the warm air to recirculate and save you more money on monthly heating costs.
- Also, check batteries on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This is a must during the winter with furnaces, heating systems and fireplaces in use.
- Turning down the heat when your not home or sleeping is a great way to cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Throw on some extra clothing or use a blanket when relaxing on the couch at night, your wallet will thank you!
These are just a few helpful hints from Trash Wizard Junk Removal. This winter save a bundle by bundling up!