As the days start getting shorter, it’s time for the winter to arrive. That’s when you must do everything to prepare your home, especially in areas like Suffolk County, where it gets cold, snowy, or icy.
Preparing your home for winter is about staying warm and cosy, and it’s also a great way to save money. When your home is well-prepared, it uses less energy to keep you warm, which means lower heating bills, which you can appreciate.
Don’t worry. You can do most of these things yourself, even if you’re not a home repair expert. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Seal Up Air Leaks
Sealing up air leaks is one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and reduce your heating costs during winter. Air leaks can occur in many places, but the most common spots are around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and where pipes enter your house.
So, check these areas for any drafts. You can feel for cold air coming in or use a candle to see if the flame flickers near closed windows or doors, which indicates a draft. Once you identify where the leaks are coming from, it’s time to seal them up.
Weatherstripping is an excellent choice for gaps around windows and doors. Most hardware stores sell it, and it is easy to apply. Alternatively, you can seal the gaps through DIY caulking or hiring professional caulkers just like seen here at correctcaulking.com.au.
Stock Up on Heating Fuel
Heating oil is essential for keeping your home warm during the cold months. That’s why It’s critical to have enough before winter starts. But why, you ask? Well, having a good supply of heating oil means you won’t run out when you need it most.
Winter can bring frigid days, and without enough fuel, your home could quickly become very uncomfortable. Plus, if the weather gets terrible, it might be hard for delivery trucks to reach you. So, having enough heating oil stored away means you stay warm no matter what the weather does.
Furthermore, maintaining a consistent supply of fuel is not merely a matter of convenience; it’s about making sure you’re never left in the cold. Recognizing this, experts at Romeo’s Fuel in Suffolk County, NY, share a practical solution: the oil tank monitor. This smart device lets you check the levels right from your phone. That way, you can order fuel on time, saving you the stress of emergency orders.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
A simple trick to keep your home warm during winter is to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. Usually, fans spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. However, when you set them to spin clockwise, they do something very helpful in winter.
Clockwise rotation makes the fan push warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, back down into the room. This helps distribute the heat more evenly, making your living spaces feel warmer. As a result, you don’t need to turn the heater up so high, which can save you money on your energy bills.
To change the direction of your fan, look for a small switch on the fan’s body. Flip this switch when your fan is turned off. Now, when you turn it on, it will spin in the opposite direction, ready to keep you warmer this winter.
Adjust Thermostat
A simple way to save money during winter is to adjust your thermostat. Lowering the temperature at night or when you’re not home can significantly reduce your heating costs. Your house doesn’t need to be as warm when you’re snug under the covers or out for the day.
Using a programmable thermostat can make this even more accessible. You can set it to automatically lower the heat at certain times, like when you leave for work or go to sleep. You won’t have to remember to turn it down yourself—it does your job. Programmable thermostats are great for keeping your home at the perfect temperature without wasting energy.
By making these adjustments, you can keep your home comfortable and save money on heating this winter.
Check Heating Systems
A well-maintained heating system keeps your home warm and saves you money. So, how can you ensure that your heating system is in top shape? Your heating system has air filters that catch dust and dirt. Over time, these filters can get clogged, and your system has to work harder to push air through. This means it uses more energy and costs you more money.
Therefore, get it serviced by a professional. They can clean the filters, spot any problems, and fix them so that your heater runs smoothly and safely all winter. The result? When your heating system is clean, it runs more efficiently. An efficient system uses less energy to heat your home, which means lower energy bills every month.
Wrap Up
By following these steps, you can make your home warmer and save money. Remember, the money you save on heating costs can go towards other necessary things for your family. So, start today and enjoy a cosy, affordable winter in your well-prepared home.
