Autumn Home Maintenance: 3 Things EVERY Homeowner Must Do To Prepare For Winter!
As the leaves begin to change and the smell of Autumn fills the air, savvy homeowners know that winter’s chill may not be far behind. Preparing for winter is part and parcel of a homeowner’s experience. Ensuring that your property has been shored against the coming winter can be a great way to keep your home comfortable while improving the year-round efficiency of your property.
According to a report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average household will spend nearly $700 on heating their home with natural gas this Winter.
Whether you live in a palatial mansion or you rent a small ranch home, you must ask yourself if your home is adequately prepared against the coming season. Of course, we are talking about much more than just putting up your favorite Christmas decorations. In fact, we have three simple tips that can help you prepare your home for the season in style.
Today, we are going to introduce you to THREE THINGS every homeowner must do to prepare for winter.
Autumn Preparedness Checklist: Three Steps to Housekeeping Success
1. Install or Improve Upon Your Home’s Insulation
The average home insulation installation can last for anywhere from 80 to 100 years if left undisturbed. Unfortunately, insulation rarely lasts this long and there are plenty of signs to look out for. Do you notice changing indoor temperatures in your home? Has your energy bill increased substantially in recent years? Do you feel drafts of wind coming from within your home?
Replacing your insulation is one of the fastest ways to shore your home against wonton energy waste. Properly installed insulation can help to prevent the exit-transfer of heat, thus keeping your home warm and cozy against the coming season.
Popular insulation choices include Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Spray Foam Insulation.
2. Replace Old Windows With Energy-Efficient Alternatives
Did you know that leaking windows are responsible for nearly 30% of heating/cooling energy use in the average household? It’s true! Before winter rolls into full view, use Autumn as a time to consider replacing all of your outdated or leaking windows. If you have single-pane windows, now might be a great time to consider an energy-efficient window makeover in your home.
For homeowners looking to boost their energy efficiency, consider installing Low-E Windows. Low-E Windows are coated with a special coating to block UV rays and light waves, thus protecting your home against heat during the summer. During the winter, your Low-E windows will keep your home warm by deterring drafts.
Another way to buy energy-efficient windows is to pay attention to ENERGY STAR labels.
3. Get Rid of Drafts Through Weatherstripping
According to the United States Department of Energy, weatherstripping can help homeowners to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. Weatherstripping is the act of sealing your home against drafts and leaks. Most commonly, gaps and leaks leading to drafts can be found near windows and doors and anywhere that your home’s caulking has begun to wear away.
To appropriately weatherstrip your home, make sure that you are working with the proper seals. Tension seals are ideal for hanging in windows while felt seals are great for beneath doors. To calculate how much weatherstripping supplies you need, add the perimeters of ALL windows and doors, and then add 10% to adjust for potential waste.
King Insulation has been a full-service provider of insulation and energy-saving solutions since 1981. From massive warehouses and commercial buildings to single-family homes, no job is too big or too small for King Insulation. When it comes time to prepare your home for winter, make sure that you consult with the pros!
