Keep Cozy by Taking These Steps
In Ohio, the most wonderful time of the year also comes with frightful weather outside! An energy efficient home not only keeps your warm, but also can save you money. Here are a few projects you can take on to properly winterize your home.
Insulate the Attic
Warm air rises! Most people either have no insulation in their attic or not enough. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, attics should have insulation 10 to 14 inches deep. Having proper insulation keeps the heat in your home by preventing heat from rooms below to escape. You will also want to make sure to caulk all gaps, holes and ceiling penetrations.
Install Storm Windows
Single-pane windows won’t keep your home warm and they will keep your heating bill high! Storm windows are extra protection against the elements and can be removed and stored come spring if you wish! If you are looking to maximize energy efficiency you could opt for installing triple pane windows. They are more expensive but could save you money in the long run and add significant value to your home.
Furnace Upkeep
Air filters should be replaced every couple of months throughout the winter season. Having clogged up air filters can dramatically reduce efficiency of your furnace. Having annual checks of your furnace completed by a licensed HVAC contractor is also a wise decision. If you want to go for optimal efficiency, also consider a programmable thermostat. You can program the heat to go up and town at different times of the day based on if everyone is at home or away at work and school. Smart programmable thermostats are extremely convenient as you can control them from wherever you are using your phone, computer or tablet!
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Fans are not just to give you a breeze when it’s hot out or to mute background noise when you’re trying to sleep. Fans that allow you to reverse the fan blade rotation are beneficial during the wintertime. Shifting the ceiling fan to reverse will blow air upwards which in turn pushes the warm air trapped towards the ceiling, back down into the base of the room. Reverse ceiling fans keep warm air circulating throughout the home.
These are just a few suggestions when it comes to winterizing your home. Though they provide reward in the form of warmth and energy cost savings, the upfront costs of these projects can add up depending on what you need. Keeping cozy can be costly and well worth it in the long run. Bridge is always here to help find financial solutions.
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