Home Improvements Can Save You Money During the Winter
Installing more insulation is a great winter home improvement project.
Electricity bills can be brutal in the winter. From the up and down outdoor temps to the frigid drafts that can chill your home, keeping warm can be tricky on a budget. However, you can save energy and stay toasty at the same time this winter with these home improvement tips. Not only will you feel more at ease in your house, you won’t be shocked with high electric bills that can be overwhelming and cost-prohibitive.
Cutting Down on Drafts
Did you purchase an older home with single pane windows? Chances are you can feel the chill as the wind blows outside. The following simple home renovation ideas can really help you heat up your home without turning on the gas or electricity.
Seal Your Windows and Doors: Sealing your home’s windows and doors with a weather strip will help eliminate some of the hot air that escapes through small cracks around the frame. Easy to install, even for the novice, weather strips make sitting near a cold window a little more bearable.
Replace Windows: In addition to sealing window and door frames, replacing single pane windows with double panes will reduce your electricity bill and make your home’s heating system more efficient. Even if you can only replace one window at a time, you will be raising your home’s value with each so they are a small home renovation project that will payoff in the long run.
Add Curtains: Instead of hanging aluminum mini blinds, curtains and heavy draperies can cut down drafts. In addition, many people include the window coverings when they list their home for sale. This means if you select tasteful and elegant draperies, you will increase the desirability and perhaps resale value of your home.
Have you considered a fireplace as part of your home renovation?
Clean Your Fireplace: If you’re lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace, make sure you get the flue cleaned every year. In addition, your fireplace or chimney may need tuckpointing. Ensuring the maintenance of your fireplace before running it all season will have it working its best. By making good use of your fireplace instead of turning up the thermostat, you could save on your electricity bill.
New Insulation: Is it time to add or replace the insulation in your home’s attic? Insulation keeps heat from escaping through the walls and the roof of your home. Consider adding padded insulation or spray foam insulation for sealing and filling small areas. A home improvement specialist can replace your insulation and help you cut down on your winter electrical bill.
Stay Cozy and Warm All Winter
In addition to these small improvements that might help you save money this winter, it’s important to remember you should always try to maintain a constant temperature in your home. Turning your furnace up and down makes it work harder than if it remains at a more consistent temperature. Find a comfortable settings for all the residents in your home and then keep it set there for greater efficiency.
Winter doesn’t have to own your pocketbook. Small changes in your home can help ensure you stay cozy without the extra costs of heating and electricity. Contact us today for a home renovation consultation in Massachusetts.
