It’s nice to finally hit the fall season as it can give us a reprieve from the brutally hot temperatures that we associate with summer. However, we’ll soon have to deal with much colder temperatures. Is your house ready for the cold?
Now is your chance to get a head start on winter. Our list includes a few areas in your home that you should focus on if you want to stay warm this upcoming season, and even save some money on your heating bill.
The Attic
How long has it been since you’ve gone up to your attic? If your house is at least 20-years-old, you’ll want to take a look up there and see how your insulation looks. By that point, your insulation can lose some of the fill and it can settle.
The Windows
If you have older or more contractor-grade type of windows, then you should consider replacing them. They could be costing you money on your heating bill. They’re not quite efficient and chances are they lack a “Low-e Glass” type of coating, which can help reflect the heat back inside and keep the sun’s UV rays from fading out your furniture and carpet.
The Doors
Do you remember getting yelled at to shut the door because you’re either letting all the air out or air in? Even if your door is closed, you still might be letting in cold air in the winter through air leakage. There could be a few causes for this.
- Dry caulk could be a culprit. If you’re finding more spiders and bugs getting in every fall, then you might have cracks to fill.
- The lack of a seal on the door can also be an issue. The answer could be replacing the weatherstripping seals on your door. This could save you up to 20% on your utility bill.
- Even adding a storm door, which can include the Low-e Glass that we mentioned above, can help you keep the heat from flowing out this winter. It’s perfect if you have an older door too.
If you’re remodeling your home, then changing your doors would be a great idea.
The Ceiling
You wouldn’t think your ceiling could make a difference, but if you have a skylight, you’ll want to keep it in mind. It’s nice to get that natural lighting in there. However, if improperly installed, it could have air leaks. A good general contractor can help with the leaks.
Another thing you should think about is ceiling fans. We’re not kidding when we say that you can use your ceiling fan during the month of winter. Reversing the motor and moving the blades slowly in a clockwise direction can help spread the warm air.
Because of that, some homes can see a 3-4 degree increase in temperatures. And that can decrease your heating bill by 15 percent. Your checking account will thank you for that.
If you have a fan with a switch that can reverse direction, then it’s easy for you to change.
Need Help Staying Warm This Winter?
Don’t wait until the temperatures are frigid to solve these problems.
If you’re looking to remodel and save some money on your energy bill this winter, then contact Houston Remodel Services today to help you with your project.