Winterization Can Lower Energy Costs Save on Repairs
Proper winterization practices reduce energy costs and can save homeowners from expensive repairs in the future. Check out the following tips from CertainTeed, a building products' manufacturer.
Extra insulation will keep your home warm and help prevent warm air from rising to the roof and causing ice dams.
- Attics are often under-insulated. The attic and attic door should have at least 12-inches of insulation.
- Insulate exposed pipes and faucets. Start with pipes in the outer walls, crawl spaces, attic and garage.
Seal air leaks. Common places with air leaks include fireplaces, electrical outlets and door and window frames. Spider webs, icicles and ice dams may indicate air leaks.
- Verify all cracks around windows and doors are weather stripped and caulked to avoid energy and heat loss.
Take a look outside.
- Replace worn roof shingles to prevent the harsh weather from infiltrating your roof.
- Clean gutters of buildup and fall leaves to prevent ice damage and dams.
- Trim tree limbs that hang over the house.
- Shut off and disconnect the water supply to outside faucets and hoses. Also, consider replacing faucets with freeze-proof versions.
Check the furnace to see if it is ready to work.
- Inspect the furnace as early as possible so it will be ready when needed.
- Check the furnace filters every month, but be sure to change them at the beginning of each season or every three months.
If you have done all of these tasks but are still cold, there are a few more ideas you can try.
- Drawn drapes will help keep cold air out.
- Use a humidifier in common areas of your home. The extra moisture will make air feel warmer and lower the risks of suffering from winter illnesses.
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This will pull the trapped warm air down for you to enjoy.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act entitles you to an energy tax credit of up to $1,500 on energy-efficient building materials like insulation and roofing. For more information, visit
www.certainteed.com/energytaxcredit/.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009, CertainTeed was named Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.