It is not too late to make a few home improvements that will help line your pockets with a little saved money this winter. There are also plenty of changes you can make without spending a dime.
Dressing for the weather or keeping a throw handy for cool nights will keep you warm without raising the thermostat, and the savings add up fast.
Other upgrades require an initial out-of-pocket expense, but often pay off many times over. Examples include investing in a programmable thermostat, adding insulation, upgrading windows, and installing temperature vents that respond to fluctuations in the weather. A home energy audit can show you exactly where your home is costing you the most. The key is to be smart about energy all winter long...keeping you warm and cozy, and preventing outrageous home heating bills.
Take a close look AT your windows
Are heating dollars flying out the window? If you’re not using storm windows, the answer may be “yes.” According to the U.S. Department of Energy, storm windows decrease heat loss by a whopping 25-50%. (Go ahead. Do the math. Then go close those windows.) To keep the heat inside, the Department of Energy also recommends:
- Using clear plastic film to seal window frames
- Closing curtains or shades in the evening, and opening them during the day
- Considering Energy Star windows with two or more panes. They may cost more, but the savings go on for years.
Visit the DOE for more tips, and check out Energy Star for a helpful guide to tax credits.
Prevent pipe emergencies with temp vents
Nothing is worse than racing to the shower on a winter morning, only to find that your pipes have frozen or burst. Water expands as it freezes, putting pipes at risk when temperatures drop. The following tips can prevent problems before they arise:
- Properly insulate pipes, particularly those that run along exterior walls
- Keep the temperature inside your home consistent, even while away
- On cold nights, keep a trickle of water running. (Moving water is less apt to freeze.)
Better air ventilation can prevent emergencies by keeping a steady flow of warmer air circulating around pipes. Temperature vents also help prevent foundation decay, moisture, odor, mildew, and termite infestation. Western can help you protect your home through advanced temperature vents, along with green insulation services (read more on that below). By installing temp vents in your crawlspace, circulation is improved, as vents open and close with outside temperatures.
Insulation that controls pests: ThermoZone™ Attic Insulation Program
Proper insulation is the cornerstone of smart winterization. Without it, cold air has a knack for finding its way in. The need for energy-efficient insulation and effective pest control resulted in the development of our all-natural Western's ThermoZone™ Attic Insulation Program. Made from cellulose and borates, Western's ThermoZone™ Attic Insulation Program has been awarded the Energy Star rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, meaning it meets or exceeds government standards for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly products.
The benefits of Western's ThermoZone™ Attic Insulation Program go beyond energy savings: it is the only insulation product that works with pest control materials to fight insects. Call to learn more and schedule a free home energy audit.