How do I get my home ready for winter on a budget?
Even though our winters are considered mild in Georgia, winterizing your home ensures that you save money on energy bills and stay comfortable throughout the season. Even if you are on a budget, there are many simple and cost-effective things that homeowners can do to winterize your home.
Seal those drafts for energy savings
Having drafty rooms in the house may not seem like a big deal if you are bundled up in warm clothing and blankets, but ultimately, drafty rooms could mean there are substantial amounts of wasted energy. You can easily winterize your home by weather stripping your doors and windows. Seal cracks around electrical outlets, siding and air ducts with caulking or foam sealant to reduce the loss of energy and save money on your heating bills, and stay cozy and warm.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save approximately 3% on your energy bill for every degree you turn the thermostat down in the winter. Although your home’s temperature can be manually adjusted, a programmable thermostat ensures that the temperature is lowered when you are not at home, or asleep, and return to normal as you awake or come home from work. For around $40 to $100, this is a very cost-effective investment to winterize your home. And you would never have to worry about forgetting to turn the thermostat down before leaving home.
Insulate Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze and burst and cause extensive damage and water bills. Winterizing your pipes can help you save on possible unexpected emergency repairs, and on energy bills. Prevent frozen pipes by insulating pipes located on the outside walls of your home, and in unheated spaces like the garage and basement. These vulnerable pipes can be wrapped, insulated with slip-on foam pipe insulation, or with insulation sleeves. Pipes taking hot water from the water heater to indoor faucets can also be insulated in this manner, which helps reduce energy costs.
Lower Your Lighting Costs
Daylight Savings in the winter months means that we often leave for work in the dark and come home in the dark. If you plan on hosting guests for winter parties, solar lights can be used for outdoor lighting around pathways, walkways and outdoor patios. Not only do they add to the ambiance, but they are also a cost-effective way to get ready for winter entertaining. Using LED bulbs for holiday lighting and household lighting can reduce energy costs substantially.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a plumber, electrician or HVAC consultant to assess your home and winterize it, please call 678-534-7980 today.