Winterizing your home not only allows you to stay cozy all winter long but also saves your energy costs and reduces the heating bill. When the temperature begins to drop heavy piles of snow can collapse the roof, and water pipes can freeze and burst. All above that, freezing temperatures and heat loss will make it tough to maintain the right thermostat settings.
Weatherizing means preparing or protecting your home against harsh weather conditions. It maintains the temperature of the heating unit properly and adds comfort this also improves indoor air quality which keeps the allergens out.
Follow these steps to prepare your home for winter:
1. Get a home energy audit
Conducting a home energy audit is the first step in weatherizing your home. If you live in an area with extreme weather, it’s good to have a professional assessment. The purpose of the audit is to find out how much energy you’re using as well as wasting. A home energy audit will detect the leaks and offer solutions to fix problem areas. Professionals use infrared cameras, gas leak detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, moisture meters, and non-toxic smoke pens to do the process.
2. Add insulation
One of the best ways to optimize your home’s energy is by adding proper insulation which makes you feel comfortable at any cost. Insulating your home will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, thus lowering your energy bills.
3. Air seal your home
If the air leaks through the windows, doors, or other areas then you have to fix it. Sealing air leaks around plumbing, ducting and electrical wiring is a great idea.
Seal around:
- Attic access
- Ceiling seams
- Chimney
- Doors
- Ducts
- Baseboards
- Basement ceiling
- Basement walls
- Exterior joints
- Fireplace
- Pipes
- Vents
- Outlets
- Porch ceiling seams
- Recessed lights
- Siding
- Staircase frame (if on an exterior wall)
- Windows
Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows and sealing leaks around fireplace chimneys – will be the best.
4. Control moisture levels
Controlling moisture levels will benefit your home in various ways. If there is too much moisture then it causes bathrooms, basements, attics, walls, and foundations problems. Controlling the moisture level will make your home more energy-efficient overall.
5. Improve ventilation
To optimize your home’s energy efficiency it’s good to improve ventilation which will help to control moisture and improve the air circulation. Improving ventilation will help in cooling your home also it has been proven that this is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings.
Weatherizing is done to optimize your home’s energy efficiency by reducing energy waste. Follow the above steps and prevent your home from any damage.