How to Winterize Your Home

As you prepare for the holiday season, double check that you properly winterize your home. Winterization serves multiple purposes for renters and home owners. Save money, and preserve energy. Keep pests out when cool weather can make your house an inviting location for pests to live. As the weather begins to cool down in Autumn, use the following tips to winterize your home. I’ve published over 1000 how to articles online, and I wholeheartedly share the advice that has been the most useful to me during winter months.

Check Your Water Heater
Change the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. According to The Daily Green article Turn Down Your Water Heater, keep your water heater at a lower temperature to lower the cost of your water heating bill by 6% to 10%. Change to an Energy Star certified high efficiency electric storage water heater to save even more money. If you have small kids, keep your water heater at a low temperature anyway to prevent burns from hot water. How to adjust the temperature of your water heater varies depending on the type of water heater you have.

Reverse Your Fan
Change the direction that your fans go. When you switch the fans’ direction, warm air will push down and recirculate in the room. As the warm air comes down from the ceiling, you will become more comfortable with the temperature of your home. Cutting your heating costs only takes flicking a button on the fan. Change the direction with a switch that comes on most units. When the winter operation is on, the blades will go counterclockwise.

Update Your Thermostat
Buying a new thermostat is a relatively inexpensive way to give your home an updated, modern touch. As you pick out a thermostat, choose a product that is programmable. Using a programmable thermostat will help you save money. When the air outside gets colder, heating your home becomes more expensive. For every degree colder you can tolerate in your home, you can save more money on your energy bill.

Seal Your Home
Drafty windows and doors will leak warm air and create a drain in your energy bill. Seal any spaces that let air into your home. Double check that your garage is sealed tight. Anywhere that lets air in can permit pests to come in your home. Where I live in Tennessee, cool autumn air is an invitation to mice, spiders, and more to venture inside away from the cold. As you seal your home, double check the accuracy of your work to keep out potentially dangerous pests. If you do end up getting pests, work with a pest control company to safely eradicate your home.