Before winter weather arrives, it’s time to take some preventative measures to save energy and keep your home comfortable. Whether it’s fixing leaks or installing a new air conditioner, these upgrades can drastically reduce your energy bills this winter.
The process of weatherizing a home usually starts with an energy assessment. From there, it’s easy to make cost-effective building upgrades that produce big savings.
Insulate
A whole house weatherization plan protects a building from outside temperatures and moisture. This helps cut energy use and indoor comfort, while preventing damage to the structure and ice dams.
Whole-home weatherization upgrades like air sealing, insulation and more make a home more comfortable in winter and summer and reduce the need for excessive heating and cooling. They also increase a home’s value and can help you qualify for rebates or other state and federal programs to cover the cost of the upgrades.
Sealing gaps and cracks is an essential part of any home weatherization project. Caulk and expanding foam are great options for a DIY project, but there are also professional solutions available that include more in-depth testing and evaluation.
If your home has an attic, insulating it is another way to reduce air leaks and keep the heat inside. A professional can assess your attic and recommend the right amount of insulation for your home.
Other simple DIY tasks that can help prepare a home for winter include cleaning the chimney and storing a supply of firewood. Checking and changing air filters is also a good idea to prevent the system from working harder than necessary. And finally, don’t forget to flush your water heater. This removes sediment that can impede operation and reduce efficiency.
Seal Leaks
If your home is drafty, hard to heat, or has hot and cold spots, the problem may be due to leaks in your windows, doors, crawl spaces and attics. The good news is that whole-home weatherization fixes these leaks and improves energy efficiency in all seasons. It is a complex process and requires professional training and expertise to do correctly. Whole-home weatherization involves a combination of air sealing, insulation, moisture control and ventilation. To learn more about whole-home weatherization, you can conduct a home energy audit and work with a local, highly vetted contractor who can help you plan and execute your strategy.
The first step is to seal leaks around pipes, faucets and electrical outlets with caulking. You can find a great variety of caulking products online and in home improvement stores. Leaks in windows and doors are often caused by outdated or worn weather stripping. To seal these areas, replace old weather stripping with new caulking or silicone sealant. You can also use window treatments that block out the sun on west and east facing windows for an energy efficient upgrade.
Another great way to prepare for winter is to clean your gutters. This prevents water and debris from collecting in your gutters which can clog them. You can also clean your chimney and install a chimney cap for an energy efficient upgrade.
Add Insulation
Adding insulation to an attic is one of the best things you can do for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. An insulated attic prevents heat from rising in the winter and from escaping through the roof during warmer months. It also keeps air from seeping through the walls, floor and crawl spaces.
An insulated attic is important in every climate, but the specific type of insulation you need will vary according to your home. A professional can help you choose the right type and amount of insulation for your needs. The most common type is fiberglass, which comes in rolls or batts that can be easily installed in any attic space. You can also get cellulose or mineral wool insulation, which are more environmentally friendly.
Another important way to prepare your home for colder weather is to install and set a programmable thermostat. ENERGY STAR estimates that a properly used programmable thermostat can cut heating and cooling costs by 10%.
Whole-home weatherization is a complicated process, but it can make a huge difference in your comfort and how much energy you use in the winter. Fortunately, there are state and federal programs to assist you with the cost of making these improvements. Contact Stiles Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule an energy audit and find out more about how you can prepare your home for the winter.
Install a Ductless System
A ductless system is one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient. In the past, ductless systems were limited to specific rooms, but new technology allows a unit to be installed anywhere you have an electrical outlet. For a complete installation that maximizes your efficiency, contact a trusted professional.
Whole-house weatherization improves comfort and lowers energy bills by stopping cold air leaks and blocking hot air leaks, explains Luxton. A professional performs a home energy audit to pinpoint problem areas and provides recommendations for insulation, air sealing and moisture control.
Some simple DIY home weatherization tips include using caulk and expandable foam to fill cracks around windows, doors and pipes. In the attic, you can install cellulose insulation, fiberglass or spray foam to seal bare spots and reduce energy waste. For large gaps, you can use a puttylike product called Mortite or foam board, which is available at most big-box stores.
Other easy weatherization tips include replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label. Another way to save money is to change out light bulbs for Compact Florescent Lighting (CFLs), which use 5 times less electricity, last 7 times longer and emit less heat. If you have a fireplace, clean the chimney to minimize warm air loss through the opening and to keep your home warmer in winter. You can also purchase a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy costs and stay comfortable year-round.