10 Ways to Winterize Your Home – Part 2

A properly winterized home usually means more than just turning down your thermostat or stopping a few leaky windows or doors.  Here are a few less known ways to help you thoroughly winterize your home.

Turn Down Your Hot Water!

Another great way to help you save money over the winter months is to simply turn down your hot water tank by a degree or two.  Most hot water tanks are set at a temperature that is too hot, so by turning down your hot water tank, you will not only save money, but you may save yourself a burn or two as well.  By lowering your heater by a few degrees, you can save up to 10% on your next heating bill.  A hot water tank with a lower temperature may also be a great incentive to help you take a shorter shower, saving you even more money on your energy bills.

Another option is to look into a tankless hot water system or even a solar powered way to heat your hot water tank.  Remember that there are tax incentives to move towards a more energy efficient way of heating your water and your home.  Many of the new homes in the real estate market near Simon Fraser University already have energy efficient water tanks installed so turning them down may not save you any additional money.

Inspect Your Furnace

Sometimes, to keep your furnace running in peak condition, you may need to do more than just change the filters.  It is a good idea to have your furnace inspected annually, usually at the beginning of the winter to make sure that everything is in good working order.  A properly working furnace can save you money on your monthly heating costs and can also save you big money in the long run because maintaining your furnace will cost you far less than having to replace your furnace.

Life in Plastic

Another often overlooked place when it comes to thoroughly winterizing your home are your windows.  A lot of heat can escape right through your window panes over the course of the winter, especially if you have single paned glass.  Although most new homes now come with double paned glass, it is still a good idea to add a layer of plastic to your window.  You can pick up a plastic window dressing for your windows at almost any hardware store.

These kits adhere right to your window pane and will not distort or harm the glass in any way.  What this kit will give you is an extra layer of protection against the outside cold.  By properly installing a plastic window dressing, you should help seal any drafts that are coming from the sides of your windows and increasing your homes ability to hold heat.