As temperatures drop and colder days settle in, ensuring your home is prepared for winter is crucial. Now that the heating season has begun, keeping your home cozy while controlling energy costs is more important than ever. Here are some helpful tips to make your home energy-efficient and ready for the heating season.
Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency and Keep Your Home Cozy
- Disconnect Outdoor Water Hoses
Water left in hoses can freeze and expand, damaging your pipes. Disconnect and store them before freezing temperatures arrive. - Protect Outdoor Faucets
Cover exposed spigots and pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Wrapping these areas provides an extra layer of protection. - Seal Windows and Doors
Caulk windows, putty cracks, and apply weather stripping around doors. Proper sealing keeps warm air in and cold air out during winter, reducing energy costs. - Close Storm Windows and Doors
This small step can significantly impact your home’s insulation, making it easier to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. - Check Kitchen and Bathroom Vents
Ensure dampers are tightly closed when not in use. Unnecessary airflow through vents can waste heat and make rooms feel drafty. - Pipe Insulation
Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and improve energy efficiency. A little insulation can go a long way toward maintaining heat in your plumbing system.
Preparing Your Heating System
Scheduling regular heating system maintenance is essential for safe, efficient operation. Here’s what you should do to keep it running smoothly:
- Tune-Up Your System: Have a professional perform a preseason inspection and tune-up. Regular maintenance improves performance and reduces breakdowns.
- Replace Oil Furnace Filters: Clean filters help your system run efficiently and improve indoor air quality. Aim to change them monthly during heavy use.
- Maintain an Emergency List of Licensed Contractors: In case of heating or plumbing emergencies, have a reliable list ready. An electrician, plumber, and general contractor are essential contacts.
- Check Your Oil Supply: If heating by oil, running out of it during the winter can be costly and disruptive. Be sure to monitor your fuel levels and refill as needed.
Explore Energy Efficiency Programs and Rebates
Small changes can make a big difference in comfort and savings this season. Let us help you prepare your home for winter and make it a cozy, energy-efficient space. Our company is committed to helping homeowners reduce energy use and costs. If you want to learn about efficiency programs, including insulation and heat pump discounts to help you weatherize your home affordably, give us a call (781-598-7125). Get started today with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to see where you can save the most.
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