Maintaining a clean and tidy home during winter can be quite costly. Winterizing your home before winter can save you a lot of money in the long run. Not to mention, this can also be much more comfortable for you and your family. To ensure that your home is properly prepared for winter, here are some cost-effective home improvements you should consider before winter sets in.
1. Fill Gaps In Your Home's Insulation
If you're noticing drafts in your home, this could be a sign of gaps in your home's insulation. You can fill in these gaps easily by adding additional insulation to your walls and ceiling.
You can purchase rolls of fiberglass insulation at most hardware stores and have these installed by a professional. If you're looking for ways to save money, you can use recycled newspapers instead. Roll the newspaper into a coil, and seal it so it won't unroll. You can stuff this can be stuffed between walls, molding, and doors. Doing so will make your home warmer during the winter months.
2. Install Heat Pumps
Another cost-effective home improvement you should consider before winter is installing a heat pump. These machines use water to heat air, making them much more efficient than the more conventional heating systems.
Some new houses already have these features, but if yours doesn't yet, you can easily install one. To do this, connect an outdoor unit to your home's HVAC system. A ductless heat pump can be a better option due to its installation versatility. You can connect this directly to a wall or ceiling, depending on the size of your home and what you're looking for.
3. Install Storm Windows in Your Windows
Installing storm windows in your windows is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you could make before winter sets in. These also help protect your window frames from getting damaged, as they can be difficult to repair once they're already damaged. These are some of the best home improvements that you could do to your home.
Storm windows will also help to restore the energy efficiency of your home. Once installed, storm windows will allow air from outside to circulate properly through your home. This will keep it warmer in the winter months and will prevent cold drafts.
4. Maintain Your Heating System
One of the best ways to maintain your heating system is by checking the unit occasionally. You should regularly oil the condensers and bulbs and also clean your filters. The last thing you want to do once winter sets in is waste money on heating your home when it's already cold outside.
This will not only save you money but will also keep you warmer during the cold winter months. Schedule regular maintenance for your heating unit so it doesn't break down once winter sets in.
5. Upgrade To A Smart Thermostat
Some people often overlook the importance of upgrading your thermostat. This is because they believe that the only thing that matters is how comfortable you are during these freezing months. A smart thermostat is much more efficient than the one you can use manually.
By replacing your old thermostat with a digital model, you'll be able to set the temperature that you want for each room in your home. By doing this, your furnace will not have to run as often, meaning it will save money and make you more comfortable. A smart thermostat is a great investment, especially if your home is not well-insulated.
6. Add More Insulation In Your Attic
As mentioned above, insulation can help keep your home warmer during winter. If you want to save up on money and keep yourself warmer, you should look into adding more insulation in your attic. Roll out the insulation material and tack it up along the ceiling of your attic to make more effective use of it and minimize heat loss.
More insulation means less heat loss, which can also lower your home's overall heating costs. A good way to do this is by installing attic louvers, allowing more air to circulate while keeping it warm.
Conclusion
These are some of the most cost-effective home improvements you could make before winter sets in. With this list, you should be able to decide which ones you're most interested in doing and take action accordingly.
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