As Fall is overtaking Summer it is time to take care of those tasks that help keep your home warm and cozy during the Winter months. With the economy being slower this year and many people looking to save money, I am sending out this list of tips to help with keeping warm and cutting heating cost. I have included some estimated cost for the person who wants to do it yourself.
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Heating systems: Heating systems will vary, but in general, industry standards advise a professional check-up every year for oil-powered furnaces and every three years for those powered by gas. However, do-it-yourself maintenance also is advisable. With the furnace off, you should replace air filters, and vacuum dust from the blower, fan blades grills and air intakes. If your furnace supplies heat using hot water in pipes or radiators, you may need to lubricate the motor that pushes water through the system. Remember: hot-water systems can be les efficient if air is caught within the lines, because air takes the place of hot water. Make sure the valve that lets air escape is working properly. Filters cost under $30 in most cases but there are a few exceptions that run around $90.
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Chimney flues: Checking your chimney is another important weatherproofing task. If you are uncertain about the condition of a furnace or chimney flue, it's best to hire a chimney sweep to clear out creosote, the flammable oily residue that accumulates when wood is burned. If left uncleaned, creosote could be re-ignited, causing a chimney fire. A professional can usually do this for $75 - $100.
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Any gaps around doors and windows need to be weather-stripped, and any gaps between permanent building materials should be sealed with caulking. The main goal here is to keep the warm air in and the cold air and moisture out. This can be done for under $20.
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Look for air cracks around windows, doors, pipes, ducts and other openings. It is important to seal these leaks with flexible caulk. Seams where siding meets windows and doors should also be caulked. When using caulking don’t just do the windows and doors, look carefully at all joints between the foundation and siding, the roof overhang and the house, as well as any vents and anywhere wires, pipes or cables enter the home. Indoors look for areas around pipes and vents, as well as checking if there are any gaps between baseboards and floorboards. Cost $5 to $75 for materials depending on amounts needed.
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Insulation: Check the attic to see if insulation needs to be added or replaced. This is the most significant area of heat loss in many homes, so it is also important to see that it has proper ventilation. Inadequate ventilation could lead to premature deterioration of the insulation materials. It may be necessary to check insulation in exterior walls, crawl spaces and along foundation walls, as well. Proper insulation can improve heating bills by 15% alone. Cost $10 - $150 for do it your self person.
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Gutter cleaning: Clean the leaves from all gutters. Then, make sure the drainage system works by running water through them. This can be done for free with a ladder, some gloves and a hose. A properly functioning gutter system removes water away from the home, preseving siding, caulking and and trim which can get very expensive to replace.
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On brick siding, fill in eroded joints with mortar, to keep out air, water and snow. Again preventative maintainence can save you thousands by extending the life of your home exterior. Under $10 for mortar and caulking.
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Lowering your thermastat by just one degree when home and setting it to 55 degrees when you are gone can save you 3% on you heating bills.
Most of this can be done for under $250 and save you an average of 15% - 17% on your bills. If you calculate that into your monthly bills you coud be looking at a savings of $30- $60, which pays for itself in just a few months. Remember most of these repairs will not need to be done annually so over the years you can save thousands on both heating and cooling cost.
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