How to Keep the Winter Cold Out of Your Home

5 minute read

The winter is almost upon us. And that means, it’s time to make sure your home has what it takes to keep you and your family warm all winter long. A variety of factors can lead to the loss of heat in your home. In order to ensure that you are retaining your home’s heat – and saving money – we recommend you take the following steps.

SEAL GAPS AROUND DOORS & WINDOWS

Your windows, baseboards and doors are prime sources for losing heat. So, one of the first things we recommend is that you inspect all your windows, baseboards and doors for any gaps that require sealing. This is a relatively simple and quick fix that could dramatically increase energy efficiency in your home. We also recommend replacing all windows in your home that are least 20 years old. Modern windows are much more energy efficient, and could save you a great deal of money in the long-run. We’d be happy to come out to your home, inspect your windows, and let you know which ones need replacing.

INSULATE THE ATTIC                                           

Adding insulation to the attic is another important step that we recommend for ensuring an energy efficient home. Much of your home’s heat is lost through your roof. So, keeping your attic properly insulated is vital. Spray foam attic insulation is more expensive than batt fiberglass insulation, however, spray foam insulation provides a much tighter seal and air barrier. With that said, we highly recommend spending the extra cash to get the spray foam. In addition to the better sealant qualities, the spray foam gives the same R-value with fewer inches; thereby, giving you more overhead room.

FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY INSULATION

If you decide not to use your fireplace this winter, we suggest that you seal your chimney. There are several ways to seal your chimney, including the use of weather-stripping or high temperature resistant caulk to seal the gaps around the fireplace doors. Or you can fill the flue with a tightly rolled piece of batt insulation or you can fill the flue with an inflatable plug.

If you are using your fireplace, utilize a fireback. It can protect your fireplace’s back wall from extreme heat, while also maximizing the amount of heat reflected back into your home. You can either purchase a fireback, or make your own fireback using a stainless steel sheet.

FLOORS AND RUGS

Through the process of conduction, heat in your home will move through solid objects such as your floor. So, instead of allowing heat to escape your home, we recommend that you place rugs throughout the house on any bare surfaces, including hardwood floors, tile, and concrete. Heat loss through your floors can be significant, so don’t let the heat slip away and your energy bills surge. It’s a simple solution. Buy some rugs, and cover up the floors.

INSULATE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Your home’s exterior electrical outlets are another source of potential energy loss. Many people forget to think about insulating their exterior electrical outlets. But, we are here to remind you. In this day and age, saving your money is more important than ever. So, don’t let your money fly out the door. Take a look at your home’s exterior electrical outlets, and insulate them with some thin foam insulation pads.

WRAP THE WATER TANK

Another place that you can save some energy costs is with your water tank. Your hot water tank provides with you with the necessary hot water your family needs. However, a lot of the heat is lost through the space around the tank. In order to prevent that, we recommend that you wrap your tank. You can either purchase an inexpensive wrap specifically designed for water tanks, or you can use the old-fashioned, but effective, method of using a blanket and tape. Either method you chose, you will be glad you did it.

UPGRADE WALL INSULATION

Many homes, both old and new, are not built in the most energy efficient fashion. And even though newer homes most likely have more insulation than older homes, your new home could still use some more insulation. So, we recommend that all homeowners consider upgrading their wall insulation. You can simply put your hands to the wall, and if it feels cold to the touch, you probably have low-levels of insulation, and are a prime candidate for adding more insulation.

ENERGY EFFICIENT REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND MORE!

Advanced Window Products is Utah’s #1 Window replacement company. With an A rating with the BBB, we offer you great customer service and quality products at a fair price. We provide vinyl siding, replacement windows and replacement sliding glass doors for homeowners across Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. To learn more about how Advanced Window Products can help you improve the quality of your windows and home, call 801-505-9622.