Upgrades You Can Make Now That Will Pay For Themselves Later

In my previous post, Tips To Decrease Utility Bills During The Winter, I discussed free and easy ways to lower gas/propane bills during the cold months; since the temperature outdoors drops during the winter months; unfortunately, the heating bills usually increase.

Now let's discuss measures that may cost you money now; however, they will more than pay for themselves in the future.

Simple home improvements and upgrades are a necessity, so why not do them the right way first.

Spend Some Money Now and Save Later

• add storm windows and storm doors to your home (this may be the most expensive; however, upgrading to energy-efficient windows/doors will save you money in the future, making it worthwhile)
• add insulation to ceiling and walls
• adding a programmable thermostat is a good way to help monitor and save on your heating cost
• modernize your heating system and equipment (replace with newer more efficient equipment)
• insulate heating pipes/ducts in areas where they are exposed to unheated attics or crawl spaces (insulating the ducts/pipes will prevent the warm airflow from cooling as it passes through to registers)
• adding a humidifier will provide a sense of warmth at lower temperatures
• have heating system cleaned, checked, and adjusted (for highest efficiency, and safety, use a licensed professional)
• caulking/re-caulking areas around windows and doors frames will help to prevent cold airflow
• adding window stripping around windows and doors will help prevent airflow as well

Following these steps will help decrease high heating bills during the winter months; in addition several of these upgrades will add value to your home, as well as help to decrease some health and safety issues around the home.

Stay warm...