Have you ever thought to yourself that your home is never quite warm enough in the winter? Drafts from your attic and around doors and windows can cause cold air to leak into your home. Plus, a furnace that works harder than it needs to can waste energy and money. What you may not know is that there are easy ways to avoid feeling those winter chills, and the cost of being warmer in your home can be cheaper than you think.
Even if you’re not a DIYer, you can do a lot to quickly make your home more comfortable during the coldest winter months. We have 5 simple ways you can make your home cozier this winter.
- Clean Heating Return Vents
Unfortunately, air isn’t the only thing that’s being pulled into your heating system’s return. Dust, dirt and other contaminants can accumulate in your vents, reducing your heating system’s capacity while increasing its run time. A quick vacuuming of the return vents can make a difference in the overall efficiency of your heating system. Learn More about Duct Cleaning.
- Change Your Furnace Filter
Similar to cleaning your return vents, replacing your filter will improve your system’s efficiency. Keeping windows closed in the winter means allergens and particulates like pet dander are more likely to become trapped in your home. Your filter can quickly become less effective. This simple maintenance is a cheap and easy way to maximize your heating system’s capacity, and keep the air in your home healthy. We recommend changing your air filter every three months. Order Replacement Filters.
- Caulk Around Drafty Windows
Feel around the main window frame for air leaks. Air leaks allow cold air to get into your home during the winter and conditioned air to escape during the summer. These leaks are typically due to old or worn-out caulk. A simple fix is to re-caulk around the entire window.
- Apply Weather Stripping to Doors and Windows
Keeping Jack Frost outside is essential to staying comfortable, and it really helps your home’s heating system perform at its best. Adding weather stripping along your doors and windows will stop those chilly drafts from entering your home. Your heating system will thank you and your wallet will appreciate the energy savings.
- Measure your Attic Insulation
Making sure your attic is properly insulated can make a big difference in the overall comfort of your home. Attic insulation creates a barrier between the heated areas of your home and the chill outdoors. Heat rises and escapes through your attic, so proper insulation is essential to getting the most out of your energy dollars. We recommend at least 13 inches of attic insulation for homes in Maryland’s climate zone. Proper insulation also helps reduce noise in your home and improves the performance of your air conditioner in the summer.
For step-by-step instructions to complete these items around your home, check out this video:
