Cold winter weather is approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your house or property. Taking the time to winterize can prevent costly damages and keep your house safe, warm, and energy-efficient during the winter months. Even if you’re renting a house in Fort Collins, you can still take steps to get it ready for winter. Here are a few things you need to do:
One of the simplest ways to start winterizing your house is to change your furnace filters. You should be doing this throughout the year, but it’s even more important during the winter months when the furnace is working more. A furnace has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter, which means it takes more energy and raises your bill. Change your furnace every two to three months for best results.
The start of fall or winter is a great time for a regular check on your heating system. A well-maintained furnace can help save up to 5{ec1d25302c0c3e829886c092caa623e779a888dbf9e1057900a08c9ab9a85bb1} on heating costs. Hire a technician to check the system and make sure things are clear, lubricated, and in working order. As a bonus, the technician will be able to fix any problems before they become bigger issues and let you know if you need a new furnace before it breaks down completely.
Over time, sediment and other particles naturally collect in the bottom of your water heater. If left unchecked, these particles can make a water heater run less efficiently, which means it takes more energy to heat water. At the start of the season, flush the water through the drain valve to rinse out any sediment. Many HVAC technicians will include this service with a furnace check-up.
One of the biggest factors in your heating bill is the temperature you set for your house. Lowering the temperature just by a single degree can cut up to 3{ec1d25302c0c3e829886c092caa623e779a888dbf9e1057900a08c9ab9a85bb1} off your heating costs. Rather than blasting your heat, it’s definitely more frugal and energy-efficient to lower the temperature slightly and wear an extra layer of clothes to stay warm. Having warm blankets and throws placed for use in sitting areas and bedrooms is a great way to keep things cozy without making the heating system work too hard.
You might think ceiling fans are only useful in the summer, but they can also help keep a house warm during the winter. Switch your fans to rotate clockwise, which moves warm air from the ceiling down to the rest of the room. In most fans, switching the direction is a simple change, but it can cut your heating costs by up to 10{ec1d25302c0c3e829886c092caa623e779a888dbf9e1057900a08c9ab9a85bb1}.
A drafty door or window can let in a chilly breeze and make your heating system less efficient. Something as simple as blocking the bottom of a drafty door or window can make a big difference. You can buy door draft blockers fairly inexpensively or try the DIY version by rolling up an old towel or blanket and putting it in front of the door.
A major culprit of draftiness is a window that isn’t well sealed. There are a few options when it comes to winterizing windows and preventing cold air from seeping into the house. One way is to place a draft blocker in front of the window. You can also use a caulk gun to caulk a protective sealant around the edge of a window. This helps fill in gaps and holes between the window and the insulation. Another option is to use a window insulation kit to add a protective plastic layer over the entire window. These kits are effective in keeping cold air out and are barely noticeable, but they make it impossible to open the window until you remove the plastic coating in the spring.
Winterizing your house can help keep your energy bills down and give you a warm and energy-efficient home all winter long. Follow these tips to get your house or property ready for winter.
Our team is here to help you find your next home. Feel free to call and schedule a showing or start your search right here.
