Every year when the fall season starts to fade into winter, there are many changes that can be exciting. Homes are covered in different decorations and delicious recipes from winters past can be brought back out in the kitchen once again.
One change that homeowners aren't as excited to see is how winter affects their property. Winter weather often means that household bills increase, even for the most vigilant budgeters.
Don't let your property be caught off guard when winter arrives this year. Instead, read on to learn how to start winterizing your property. With the right tips, you can save money all winter long.
1. Flush Your Water Heater
There's never a point during the year when you're not using hot water, but you'll definitely be using more during the winter. That's why before it gets too cold outside, you should flush your water heater.
When you use hot water, the particles floating around in the water heater will collect on the bottom of the machine. The more sediment that collects, the less efficient your machine becomes. Flushing it with the drain valve attached to your water heater will prevent it from working overtime and consuming more energy to provide the hot water your home needs.
2. Apply Window Insulation Film
People who live in areas where outdoor temperatures are always at or below the freezing point know that your home loses heat more quickly as the temperature drops. One of the biggest ways that heat escapes is through your windows, but you can prevent that by applying window insulation film.
It won't look as nice as your windows do on their own, but you'll quickly grow used to the film once you find that your energy bill has decreased.
3. Close Your Fireplace Flue
A fireplace can be a gorgeous addition to a home, but it can also be a huge problem in the winter. When you use your fireplace, the flue has to be opened so the smoke ventilates out of your home. While you're not using it, you may accidentally leave the flue open.
That only provides a faster way for heat to escape your home. Before you head to bed on the nights you use your fireplace, toss some water on it to make sure it's out. If the fire's completely out, there's no risk of carbon monoxide or smoke buildup, so you can close the flue and save on your heating bill.
4. Install Draft Guards
If you have a dog in your family, you may have noticed that they like to lay against doors. That's because there's a slight draft that comes through under the door, which helps them cool off if they're too hot inside.
This kind of draft is another reason why your electric bill may be higher during the winter. Consider installing a draft guard under each of your exterior doors to prevent this from happening. They're easy to slide on and off, so you can remove them whenever the weather warms up again.
5. Add More Insulation
Those who live in a home that has an attic or basement know the shock of cold air you feel when you need to go into those rooms during the winter. Even though they're blocked off from the rest of your home, the cold air seeps into the rooms you're trying to heat.
You can always call a professional to add more insulation to your basement or attic. They'll still be colder than the rest of the house, but the insulation keeps the cold air contained, saving your heating unit from running constantly.
Try One at a Time
The best way to figure out how to winterize your property is to try these tips out one at a time. Some may be more effective than others, depending on your home and the weather where you live. Given time, you'll discover the best way to winterize your property and save money for years to come.
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