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Smart Solutions for an Energy-Efficient Winter Home
Fall has arrived, bringing crisp mornings, changing leaves, breezy evenings, and shorter days. The arrival of fall also means that chilly winter weather is just around the corner; it's the perfect time to complete home improvements that will make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable during winter weather. Here are some energy-efficient home upgrades our real estate agents suggest making before the frigid winter temps arrive.
- Add Additional Insulation to Your Crawl Space, Basement, or Attic
Outfitting your home with more insulation is a low-cost way to ensure it's easier to heat during the winter months, as the insulation will help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Even if your home already has some insulation, you can typically add more insulation to increase its energy efficiency.
- Seal Any Leaks Around Your Windows or Doors
If your windows, doors, or walls have leaks or cracks, this will allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter your home. You can check for leaks by placing your hand around the window or door to see if you feel cold air. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix these leaks, depending on the source of the problem. Homes that have old, damaged weather stripping will benefit from removing this weather stripping and replacing it with a new layer. Homes with cracks can be repaired with a layer of caulking (for small leaks) or a little spray foam (for larger leaks and holes).
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you remotely control your home's temperature; you can even set up a schedule that will automatically adjust your home's thermostat. Decreasing your home's temperature a couple of degrees during the winter can offer significant savings. However, many homeowners forget to adjust their home's temperature when they aren't there, or they avoid adjusting the thermostat because they want to make sure their home is cozy and inviting when they arrive home on a blustery evening after a long, stressful day. Using a smart thermostat takes the remembering out of adjusting your home's temperature. If you learn that you'll be home earlier (or later) than anticipated, you can adjust your home's temp accordingly.
- Replace Your Hot Water Heater
While this upgrade is a little bit more expensive, you'll increase your home's value, lower your energy usage, and provide your family with sufficient hot water with a single project. New, energy-efficient hot water heaters, like electric tankless water heaters, drastically lower your water heating costs without requiring you to change your habits. You can save money while continuing to enjoy a relaxing, warm shower or washing your laundry using your preferred water temperature.
If you're not sure where to start with your home upgrades, an energy evaluation (often provided for free or at a minimal cost from your local utility company) will help you uncover the most effective solutions for your home. Even a few small projects can lower your heating bills and make your home feel more comfortable. Interested in a home with more space for the holiday season? Contact us to get started.