Easy tips to save when cold weather hits

So I know that winterizing your home is not fun or sexy. I mean really, who wants to mess with that? But if you take a little time to do these simple changes, you can reduce your electricity costs which means more money for your budget each month!

It’s easier than you think to winterize your home. In fact, some solutions have little or no cost. By taking a few small steps, you’ll save more money just in time for the approaching holiday season. Plus you’ll enjoy a more comfortable home, keeping the cold out and the heat in. Reap the benefits this winter by following these suggestions.  

Quick and easy fixes

Before the temperatures drop, clean out your gutters leaving them free from leaves and other debris that builds up over the year. Clogged gutters and drains will prevent water from flowing freely which can result in icicles and ice dams to form. When this happens, ice can get under your shingles and begin to leak inside your home. It also adds weight to your gutters which can cause the gutters to tear from the house. A little time now can save you significant repair costs later.  
 
During cold weather, adjust your ceiling fans to run clockwise. You’ve heard the saying that hot air rises – in the winter it’s important to make sure the hot air stays close to the ground where you are (rather than hanging out at the ceilings). Running your ceiling fans clockwise will push the hot air down toward the floor. You’ll enjoy a warmer room without raising the thermostat. Just make sure when summertime rolls around you remember to adjust the fans back to counter-clockwise (to pull the hot air up to the ceiling, helping the room feel cooler).  
 
An easily forgotten tip is to regularly wash the cells and aluminum pre-filters of your HVAC system, as well as replace your HVAC filters annually. Dirt, dust, and debris collect on the cells and filters which cause your HVAC system to work harder. By cleaning and replacing old filters your AC/furnace will run more efficiency and extend its life which saves you money in the short and long term.  
 
A common cause for a higher utility bill is drafts from exterior doors and windows. Help prevent heat from escaping and cold air entering by placing a draft guard at the bottom of all exterior doors. This helps create a better seal between the door and floor. You could use a rolled towel pressed against the bottom of the door but this can be less convenient as the towel would need repositioned each time the door is opened. Also take time to add weather stripping or caulking to leaky windows and doorways to create a tight seal.   

Tax credits for energy efficiency 

Sometimes circumstances call for more in depth home improvements to make your home more efficient. Although there is an upfront cost to these improvements, you may qualify for a Federal Tax Credit which will help you recoup some of the costs. These credits apply towards certain improvements such as a qualifying central air unit, heat pump, insulation, roof, windows, exterior doors, skylights, and more. Check with your tax preparer to see if you qualify.   
 
One cost-effective solution to improving your heating and cooling bill is adding extra insulation to your home. Insulation can be added to the attic and/or walls. Consider hiring a professional who can assess your insulation needs and make sure an adequate amount is being added. This small improvement will help create a barrier to the transfer of air. A simple way to identify if insulation could help is to place your hand on an exterior wall of your home. If it’s winter and the wall feels frigid, then cold air is able to transfer into your home. Adding extra insulation to the walls helps prevent cold air from seeping in, which would otherwise require your furnace to work harder.  
 
Many people don’t consider replacing their hot water heater until it starts leaking or quits working without realizing that most units only have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If you’re nearing the end of estimated life for your unit, consider having a professional inspect the unit for an estimated timeframe of life left. Then make a financial plan on how to pay for a new unit by/before that time. When you’re ready to buy, make sure to evaluate the efficiency rating to ensure you’re getting the best deal in the long run. In the meantime, you can still improve your existing water heater’s efficiency by wrapping it in insulation. This helps seal in the heat, reducing the amount of energy (money) it takes to keep the water warm for use.  

Planning for expenses 

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to install costly items like a new heat pump, windows, or roof. If you know you’ll need to replace any of these costly items in the future, start saving now. You can open an account (checking or savings) that is specifically for home improvements. Transfer money into the account monthly to build up your funds over time. As your near your savings goal, begin getting quotes on labor and material costs to make sure you’re on the right track. It’s also a great plan to save 10% more than you expect the project to cost, to allow for unexpected costs.  
 
Get started winterizing your home now and enjoy the cost savings over time, plus your home will stay comfortable as cold weather sets in. It’s never too soon or too late to start, you’ll reap the benefits no matter what the season.