Articles and Advice
Late-Summer Home Projects That Can Lower Energy Use This Fall
August may still feel like summer, but it's the perfect time to start preparing for the coming months. The work that you do before the cold settles in permanently can seriously lower your heating bills and keep you comfortable for years to come. Some of these jobs take only an afternoon to complete, while others may require the help of a professional if it's been a few years since they were last done.
Check Your Weatherstripping and Seals
Doors and windows can develop leaks over time, and you may not realize it until the dead of winter. Take a walk around the house on a breezy day and pay attention to your hands as you walk by windows and doors. If you feel the air moving alongside or through them, it's probably time to replace some weatherstripping. This is an easy fix for most homeowners with weatherstripping, caulk, or sealant. It usually takes an afternoon, though a larger job might take a full weekend.
Get Your HVAC System Serviced
Your heating system may have been sitting idle, and a maintenance appointment can help get it ready for the next big freeze. Technicians who service these systems will check the filters and make sure that everything is running smoothly. You don't want to find out in December that the system you rely on to keep your family warm has failed. Getting it serviced ahead of time may also improve its efficiency, which has a direct effect on your energy bill.
Add Insulation Where It Is Needed
The areas around your home that are typically easy to neglect tend to be the places where warm air slips out the fastest. If you have a crawlspace or attic that doesn't have enough insulation, adding more material can do wonders for your home's temperature. Adding more insulation in these places will be one of the most efficient upgrades you can make to your home's ability to retain heat. It's not always easy to access, but it's one of the bigger jobs on this list. It should be completed early so the work is done before the temperature begins to drop.
Reverse the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans offer a reversal switch that will let you manually control the direction that their blades spin. In the summer, you want the air to be blown down and across the room, but in the winter, you want it to be carried up and over your head. This helps circulate the heated air that naturally rises back down into the living space. It's a simple change that costs nothing and can have a powerful effect on the temperature of your home.
Look Into Getting a Programmable Thermostat
If you're one of the many homeowners who have to remember to adjust their thermostats every time they leave or enter their home, now is the perfect time to invest in a self-regulating smart thermostat. Programmable options let you set your desired temperature based on the time of day so you never have to worry about heating an empty house. Some even learn your habits and set a schedule based on how you move throughout your day. Depending on the option you choose and how you use it, the energy savings can add up over time.
All of these projects can be done without a full renovation, and most of them can be completed before fall's in full swing. It's all about the preparation and ensuring that your home is always ready to handle the weather, instead of fighting against it.
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