The winter season is just around the corner and that means it’s time to change your wardrobe for a warmer one. But have you thought about what changes need to be made in order for you and your home to prepare for the colder months?
Here are six projects that can make your house warmer before winter.
1. Subscribe to a Heating Oil Delivery
If you do not have a heating oil delivery subscription yet, now is the time to get one. Subscribing to an automated heating oil delivery service is a smart move that will ensure that you have a constant supply of heating oil so you can keep your house warm all winter long. This ensures that your oil heater or furnace stays in steady working condition and your house does not lose heat during the winter. Also, complement your steady home heating with proper maintenance. One side project you can do is to change your furnace filter before the cold weather arrives. Your furnace filter should be replaced before the cold weather arrives. This ensures that you do not have to deal with a broken furnace because of dust, dirt, and debris clogging the works during the winter months. It also reduces allergies and improves air quality inside your home.
2. Hang Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains are excellent in keeping the warmth in, even if your window isn’t perfect. In addition to that, it also adds a layer of another material between the outside and the inside. An insulated curtain is made of two pieces of fabric sewn together with cotton batting or fleece sewn in the middle. The warm air will be kept inside, and you’ll save energy on your heating bill. These can be bought online or at most hardware stores for a low price. You can make them yourself too, but only if you know how to sew curtains. If you don’t know how to sew, this project might be a little bit difficult for you.
3. Install Storm Windows
Storm windows are an economical way to help insulate your windows from drafts during the winter season. Storm windows can be easily attached inside of your existing window, which makes them the perfect project if you don’t want to mess with cutting new holes in pre-existing walls or making other types of exterior modifications to your house. A good estimate is that you will see savings of around $20 per month per window after installing storm windows. Plus, they’re so easy to put up that you can do it yourself in just a few hours.
4. Install Insulation
Installing insulation in areas around your house where drafts are coming through can help prevent the warm air inside of your home from leaking out. According to EnergyStar, this is one of the highest-rated projects you can perform because it’s very inexpensive and also very effective at helping keep your house warmer during the winter months. Plus, as mentioned previously, many people who choose to do insulation projects themselves will recoup those costs within a few months from lower heating bills alone. Installing insulation is a great way to make sure your hard-earned money stays inside of your wallet instead of escaping out the window.
5. Add a Fireplace
Adding a fireplace to your home is not only a great way to keep warm during the winter, but it can also help increase the value of your home. If you don’t have a fireplace and are thinking about adding one, there are plenty of different types to choose from that will fit both your style and budget. And if you already have a fireplace, make sure to get it inspected and cleaned before using it this winter – so you can stay nice and toasty all season long!
6. Seal Your Doors and Windows
Sealing your doors and windows can make a huge difference to the amount of heat in your house. Sealing doors and windows also reduces drafts, which means you won’t be feeling the cold air come creeping through every little crack! Sealed or screened openings should ideally be less than 3-4% of the total building surface in order to make a worthwhile contribution to energy efficiency (this means about 22 m in an average-sized two-story home). It’s not just doors and windows that let heat out – check around electrical sockets, light switches, fireplaces, etc. for any gaps. Finally, don’t forget that vents for plumbing stacks are usually along the outside wall of bathrooms or basements. Look for these types of leaks by turning off all water sources inside your home and feeling the draft around these areas.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can help make your house warmer before winter arrives. So don’t wait – start preparing for winter now and you’ll be glad you did!
