Home Improvement Projects and Upgrades for Winter

Winter months is just around the corner. While there is nothing we can do about the winter weather, there are steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient while keeping it warm all winter long.

Here are some home improvement projects you can do to make your home more comfortable and cozy. These projects can help you save money and energy this winter.

Replace outdated furnace 

The average life span of a furnace is approximately 15 years. Because a new furnace can be quite expensive, most people wait until their furnace reaches the end of its life before getting a new one.

If your furnace is more than 12 years old, we recommend that you begin shopping for a new one. It may still be working, but it is likely that your heating bills are higher than they need to be. Older models are usually more expensive to operate since they use a lot of electricity to heat your home. New units are more energy efficient; hence, allowing you to save money in the long run.

Install a programmable thermostat

Heating your home can be quite expensive. And nothing is more frustrated than paying for wasted energy. In order to save money, we suggest that you turn the temperature up by a few degrees before leaving the house or before going to bed. You can turn up the heat once again upon waking up in the morning and when you come home at night. This works, however, if you remember to do so.

For your convenience, consider installing a programmable thermostat. With this gadget, you don’t have to turn the heat up and down manually. Plus, you are likely to save 3% on your bill with each degree you turn down the heat.

Insulate your water heater

Water heating accounts for 13% of your home’s total energy cost. This is because your water heater works constantly to keep water hot and ready whenever you need it. To make your water heater more energy efficient, consider adding a thick blanket or insulation around your water heater. This will help you save money and energy, not only during the winter but throughout the year.