Are you worried about excessively high winter heating bills? It’s no secret that energy costs keep increasing. Thankfully, there are things you can do to mitigate high winter heating bills. Let’s take a look at some energy-saving tips from Brown’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in New Jersey.
Check to Make Sure All Your Home’s Windows Are Closed and Locked
In the late summer and early fall, homeowners often like to air out their homes and turn the A/C off in order to save money. As the temperatures further cool, it’s important to walk around your home to make sure that all of your windows are closed and locked to prevent heat loss.
Recaulk Doors and Windows
Over time, doors and windows can lose their air-tight seals, leaving your home cold and drafty. Thankfully, repairing this issue is as easy as buying a few cans of caulk and a caulking gun. Once you have the materials, simply reseal the cracks between your window frame and the trim to prevent heat loss.
Install a Winter Window Insulation Kit
Windows are responsible for a lot of the heat loss in homes, especially if the windows are older and only single-pane. In fact, according to Energy.gov, up to 30 percent of the energy used to heat homes can be lost through the windows. The good news is that you can easily add another layer of insulation by installing a winter window insulation kit. These kits contain thin, clear plastic and double-sided tape. Homeowners use the double-sided tape to attach the plastic to the windows. Then, they achieve an airtight fit by using a hair dryer to shrink the plastic tightly against the window.
Add Foam Weatherstripping
Foam weatherstripping is an insulating product that consists of foam and a thin strip of adhesive. This product works best on exterior doors. To apply it, you remove the backing from the adhesive and place it against your doorframe where the door meets the frame. This helps prevent heat loss when your door is closed.
Replace Exterior Door Sweeps
Have you ever paid attention to the bottom of your door? Many exterior doors come with door sweeps. These are thin strips of metal or plastic that span the gap between the bottom of your door and the floor. If your door sweep is cracked, broken or coming loose, purchasing and installing a new door sweep can help keep drafts out of your home.
Utilize Draft Stoppers
A draft stopper is a foam or bead-filled tube that’s designed to stop drafts from doors and windows. The draft stoppers for doors are often dual-sided. To install them, homeowners simply have to slide the thin piece of material between the two tubes under the door. Window draft stoppers can be placed in front of the bottom of the window and/or on the ledge between the upper and lower panes.
Remember to Have Your Furnace Inspected
The last step involves having your furnace inspected by a licensed heating and cooling professional. Furnace inspections can help find and fix minor issues before they become expensive problems on the coldest night of the year. Heating and cooling technicians can also recommend energy-saving temperatures and give you additional tips on how to lower your winter heating bills.
