Winterizing Your Home: Heating and Insulation Tips
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the winter chill. That means doing what you must to keep your home warm – such as winterizing. Of course, there are efficient and inefficient ways of doing that, and many folks focus on the process of creating heat rather than protecting and maintaining the heat that’s already been created (and paid for.)
Incremental improvements to winterizing your home goes a very long way. Here are some easy insulation tips and heating strategies to help you get your home winter-ready.
Seal the Gaps
Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, walls, and the foundation. Even small openings can let in cold air and make your heating system work harder. Even outlets can introduce drafts. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to walk about with a lighter and hold it to areas of vulnerability. If the flame flickers, it means there is a draft. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or sealant to seal these gaps and keep the warmth inside.
Insulate Your Attic
Heat rises, so ensuring your attic is well-insulated is crucial for retaining warmth. Consider adding a layer of insulation to the attic floor and walls to prevent heat loss. Insulation materials like fiberglass, cellulose, or foam boards are effective options.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Old or poorly insulated windows and doors can be a major source of heat loss. Consider investing in double-paned windows and well-insulated doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. If a full replacement isn’t an option, consider using window films or adding door sweeps and draft stoppers.
Utilize Curtains and Blinds
Use thick curtains or blinds to keep heat from escaping through windows at night and let the sun in during the day to naturally warm your home. Thermal curtains can provide an extra layer of insulation and help reduce heat loss.
Maintain Your Heating System
This one is near and dear to our hearts. Before winter arrives, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Replace filters regularly to ensure optimal efficiency and warm air circulation throughout your home.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to set heating schedules that match your daily routine. Lowering the temperature when you’re away or sleeping can significantly reduce energy consumption and save you money.
BONUS TIP: Many power companies offer incentives to help reduce the final cost of a programmable thermostat. Check with yours!
Consider Zone Heating
Zone heating involves heating specific areas of your home rather than the entire house. Portable heaters, pellet stoves, or fireplaces can efficiently warm the rooms you use the most, allowing you to lower the overall thermostat setting.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to push warm air down from the ceiling. This can help distribute heat more evenly and reduce the workload on your heating system.
Seal Ducts and Vents
Inspect and seal any leaks in your heating system’s ductwork. Additionally, close vents in unused rooms to direct more heat into the spaces you frequently occupy.
Utilize Insulating Blankets and Sleeves
Wrap insulating blankets and/or sleeves around your water heater and hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, especially if they are located in unheated areas like the basement or garage.
BONUS TIP: The Inflation Reduction Act which was recently passed changes the way in which homeowners are incentivized to make their homes more energy efficient. This includes heating systems, windows and doors, insulation and more. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify for significant savings via a tax credit.
Heat costs money to produce and even the most energy efficient systems will have a hard time keeping up during the winter months if the heat that you’ve paid for isn’t being optimized. By taking these steps to properly insulate your home and optimize your heating system, you’ll not only stay cozy during the winter months but also save energy, reduce your environmental footprint and the size of your energy bill at the same time.
McMackin Mechanical has years of experience assisting homeowners and business owners alike on their heating needs, and will be happy to consult you on the steps you can take to protect your heat and wallet this winter. Give our office a call today and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
