Smart Home Winterizing Tips
Easy steps to save money and make your home cozier this winter are to do research, pick your best personal options, and then take action. I discovered my electric company would provide an inspector to do a free energy analysis on my home. The common sense stuff learned was to notice where uncomfortable spots or potential problems were found and fix them.
Research The Problem Areas
The inspector I had visit my home suggested a do-it-yourself approach where possible to prevent plumbing bursts and save energy. Simple research is to feel where cold air comes in. Not only no you pay attention to what areas of the home feel most uncomfortable, but use your hands to sense specific trouble spots. A drafty fireplace, bad windows, and air leakage around doors felt the worst.
Walking into the dinning room felt like the coldest part of the house. The double window there with single pane glass had cold air seeping into the room. Reading on the internet verified his suggestion that storm windows and extra attic insulation produced the best bang for your bucks for home winterizing. I researched storm windows, fireplace doors, and insulation solutions.
Picking The Best Options
My budget was real tight the year my inspector came, so I used the cheapest solution for the short term. Plastic was taped over that problem window. I installed insulation all around the home’s perimeter on that one foot section where the floor joists were. Cheap glass fireplace doors were purchased from a liquidation center. Pipes were wrapped under the crawlspace.
Caulking and weather-stripping were applied around doors and windows where cold air was invading my home. Extra insulation was applied to prevent freezing of plumbing on outside walls. Insulation of electrical plug covers was applied in problem spots. I begin saving for more permanent solutions.
Taking Action
After saving some cash, I installed storm windows, a wood stove in the fireplace, and replaced bad doors. More insulation was applied throughout the attic. Covers for outdoor water spickets were installed, plus heat tape was wrapped around a line that tends to freeze. In extreme cold this is plugged in to prevent problems.
To prepare for ice storms and electricity loss, I always have dry firewood available, plus a kerosene heater, candles, and a full pantry. A shovel and sled are ready for snow removal in addition to some play time.
