Prepping your home for winter
The cold conditions of winter can take a toll on your home in many ways. From high heating bills to burst pipes and more, winter can be a costly time for homeowners. With a little preparation, you and your family can hunker down through the colder months without worry for your budget or unwanted damage to your house. Use these tips to prep your home for the winter.
Seal windows and doors
An improperly sealed window or door can add hundreds of dollars to your utility bill through the course of a single winter. Before switching on the heat, check all your home’s doors and windows for gaps that could cause a draft. A bead of caulk or some adhesive weather stripping will cost a fraction of what you stand to lose from leaky doors and windows.
Maintain furnace and chimney
Get your furnace ready for some serious use this winter with a tune up before the temperatures drop. In many cases, paying an HVAC professional to maintain your equipment will pay for itself in added efficiency to your home’s heating system. If you use a chimney to keep warm through the colder seasons, now is also a good time to inspect the hearth for buildup. A clean chimney will keep your family safe and provide a source of cheap, efficient heat.
Invest in insulation
If your home lacks proper insulation, your heating costs could be flying right through the walls and roof. Invest in high-quality insulation to keep your heating costs down. Though it may take some time to see a return on your investment, good insulation will provide some much-needed comfort to your family and keep your heating system from wearing out quickly due to overuse. Be sure to check for government programs and tax incentives that reward homeowners for these types of improvements.
Seal unused rooms
Paying to heat your entire house can add a lot to your energy costs. If you have a spare bedroom, office, or other space that sees little use, consider closing that room off for the winter. Draw the blinds and curtains to shut the cold out and close heating vents in these spaces. Keep the door closed and watch your heating bill go down.
Bundle Up
To stay comfortable through the winter months, it’s best to dress for the season. Putting on warm layers of clothes while in the house will keep you comfortable and costs nothing. Compared to cranking the dial on the thermostat, layering up is one of the easiest ways to stay warm and keep costs down when things get cold.
Did you know winter is also an ideal time to purchase a new home? If you’re ready to secure your next mortgage or simply have questions about the loan process, the experts at First Ohio Home Finance are happy to assist you. Contact us today with any questions you may have about purchasing a home.
