Planning ahead is a smart money move for homeowners . As temperatures drop, that may mean making changes in and around your home to help keep it safe and in full working order during the winter months.
Winterizing isn’t just a buzzword, these chores will eliminate money stress from potential home emergencies. Let’s look at which tasks you can tackle to save you money this winter.
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1. Insulate your home
According to EnergyStar, 9 out of 10 homes are under-insulated. If you notice there are cold spots or anywhere you get a chill inside your home, this could be a sign that you’re losing heat in your home.
Adding extra insulation can help ensure that you don’t lose any of the valuable heat you’re paying for.
But heat loss isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to insulation. If you have an unfinished basement or exposed outdoor plumbing, you may need to insulate those areas as well to prevent damage to pipes.
Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here. 2. Schedule a roof inspection
Before winter comes is an ideal time to have your roof examined. Winter temperatures coupled with any added moisture caused by snow, rain, or condensation can make existing problems worse.
That, combined with the challenges winter weather presents when it comes to completing repairs makes fall an ideal time for having a pro take a look at your roof.
Schedule a roof inspection ahead of time and have any missing or broken shingles replaced.
3. Add weather stripping
A DIY friendly winterization chore, adding new or thicker weather stripping to seal any gaps can help keep drafty windows and doors from letting warm air out and cold air in.
Reducing air leaks can improve your energy consumption by 10-20% per year. And as an added bonus, this is a pretty inexpensive and easy task to tackle on your own.
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4. Prune your trees
Winter is actually the perfect time to trim your trees. Trees go dormant during the winter, so pruning is less stressful on them during the colder months.
Also, without all the leaves, you can easily see which branches may pose a risk to your home or roof during a bad storm.
5. Have your HVAC unit inspected
A seasonal inspection is vital to prolonging the life of your HVAC unit.
If you have an outdoor unit, cleaning it can help clear away dust, debris, and leaves. Not only that, but it may help you to identify any potential problems before they occur — saving money on emergency repair calls.
6. Get your chimney cleaned
You may want to cozy up by the fire more often during the colder months, which means you should get your fireplace and chimney ready before you’ll want to start using them for the season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, your fireplace should be cleaned at least once per year. Fireplaces are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.
Inspecting your chimney as part of your winterization process may help protect you and your family from catastrophe.
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If you live in an older home or your furnace struggles to keep up with your thermostat's demands, it might be time to consider upgrading your unit.
Energy technology continues to improve each year. Switching to a more energy-efficient model could save you 10-20% on your monthly energy bill.
8. Replace your filters
Heating units work most efficiently with a clean filter. Experts recommend replacing your furnace filter every one to three months, depending on the thickness.
This is another DIY option for most people, which makes it an inexpensive and easy winterizing task to cross off your do-do list.
9. Empty out sprinklers and hoses
Taking hoses off outdoor faucets and putting away gardening supplies that won't be used until the following summer can save money. They won’t have to be replaced if they get lost or damaged over the winter.
Remember to remove any excess water in your sprinkler lines. Water expands as it freezes, and leftover water can cause broken pipes and leaks.
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10. Check your ducts
If you have a duct system, you should have it checked for leaks. In the average home, 20% of the air that’s moving through your ducts gets lost to leaks. Plugging up these holes can save you big when it comes to energy costs.
11. Clean your gutters
Clogged gutters can become a hazard to your home. Gutters are meant to direct the flow of excess water, without them, the water could cause flooding or damage to your home.
In the winter, the excess moisture trapped inside your gutters can freeze and make them heavy and prone to breaking.
Bottom line
Manage your money wisely by preventing home emergencies before they start. You may be able to do that by taking the time to winterize your home to keep it running smoothly all year round.
It’s also important to maintain your home throughout the cold months and not just before the snow sets in, so you may need to run through this checklist more than once for the best results.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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