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The Most Important Winterization Projects For Your Home

November 25, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Winter TipsDIY projects, home maintenance, winterLeave a comment

Winterizing your home is extremely important because it cuts energy use and costs and can help you and your family stay safe and warm during the long, cold months of winter. However, many homeowners don’t know where to start, or have trouble figuring out which projects to tackle first. The most important projects are those that will save you money while keeping your home safe from winter’s ravaging winds and temperatures, and many of them are easy to do.

Here are a few of the best ways to winterize your home and save money.

Ceiling fans

When the winter months come knocking, check your ceiling fans. Most of them come equipped with a switch that will allow you to change the airflow direction, meaning running it in reverse will pull warm air down from the ceiling. This can cut your heating costs by about ten percent, making it a quick, easy project that will show real results.

Clean those filters

Air filters can get dirty fast, especially in the furnace. Check and replace them often in winter months to keep airflow steady and to keep your furnace from kicking on needlessly and running at a high demand.

Replace windows and doors

If you can feel a cold breeze coming through the cracks around your windows and doors, it might be time to consider replacing them. Storm windows will help seal in warm air, keeping you from paying outrageous heating bills during winter months. Storm doors can also help save you money and will give you the extra benefit of allowing light and solar heat into your home.

Consider smart technology

Setting the thermostat at a lower temperature can help save you quite a bit of money during colder months, especially when you’re not home. It may be a little cooler when you return, but it will be worth it in the long run. Consider installing a “smart” thermostat that allows you to program the temperature from anywhere with a remote.

Clean the gutters

Making sure the gutters on your home are free of debris and leaves will ensure that water can flow freely rather than pool up and freeze, which can cause myriad problems in winter months.

Check your water heater

Before the coldest months hit, flush your water heater to remove any sediment that might hinder the heater’s ability to work up to its potential. Then, lower the temperature to make sure it won’t heat the water too much. 120 degrees is just about perfect, and will keep your heater from working overtime.

Don’t Forget the Pool

To get your pool ready for the winter, start by closing it and adjusting the pH to the appropriate level, adjusting water hardness to the proper level of calcium, adjusting alkalinity and chlorine, and then cleaning and storing equipment. Don’t forget to clean the pool filtration system.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

October 26, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Winter Tipshome improvement, home maintenance, winterLeave a comment

The winter season is known as a time when harsh weather arrives in most locations. From high winds to heavy snowfall, the weather can wreak havoc on a residential building. To winterize your property and keep it safe, there are a few important steps to take.

Ventilate Your Home’s Attic

Add fans in the attic and install a vent to allow cool air to circulate in the space, which will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof. The attic influences the temperature of the roofing materials and will reduce the risk of damage if it’s kept at a moderate temperature.

Cut Tree Branches

Raccoons, squirrels, and small critters often look for shelter on residential properties during the winter season. Prevent the animals from making a home on your roof by cutting back tree branches that provide access to the building. This will also protect the home from damage when heavy storms arrive, which can cause the branches to have contact with the roof.

Seal Drafts on the Walls

Drafts can cause cool air to come into the home and will also allow heat to escape due to holes that have formed in the siding or walls of the building. Caulk the drafts to seal the cracks or holes to reduce your energy usage and keep your home comfortable.

Repair Your HVAC System

It’s important to ensure that your HVAC system is working well to ensure that it will heat your home during the winter months. Hire a professional like Doctor Fix-It to inspect the system and make any repairs that may be necessary. This will reduce the risk of the unit breaking in the middle of the night or during a snowstorm when you’re in need of heat.

Replace Missing Shingles or Tiles

One of the most common problems during the winter season are leaks that can develop in the wet climate. You can prevent water damage by replacing missing shingles or tiles on the roof. Hire a professional to inspect the structure and secure new materials with roofing cement that is applied onto the roof deck.

When you want to winterize your home and prepare it for the cold season ahead, there are several ways to get your property ready. By taking the right steps, you can feel comfortable spending plenty of time indoors and reduce the risk of damage to your home.

3 Common Heater Problems You Can Fix Yourself

February 10, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Home Maintenance, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home repairs, winterLeave a comment

A malfunctioning heater can be a serious problem, especially in the winter months when you need the heater to keep your house warm. Instead of calling a repair company to fix the heater, you can save some time and money by troubleshooting the problem yourself. Although there are a number of reasons why your heater is not working properly, investigating three common problems can help you to diagnose and fix your system as soon as possible.

Check the Thermostat

One of the most common causes of a heater problem is the thermostat, which is the device that regulates the temperature in your home. The first step is to make sure the thermostat is turned on and has power. If you have a digital thermostat, ensure the screen is not blank and then check the wires behind the device to see if they are securely connected. If necessary, replace the thermostat’s batteries, reconnect the device to the wall outlet or secure the wires.

If your thermostat has power, the second troubleshooting step is to check the settings. If the settings are wrong, your heater may only work periodically or not at all. For example, if you inadvertently set the temperature too low, your home will remain cold. Review your thermostat’s user manual to get the exact directions to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Heating Duct Problems

Your home’s heating ductwork is an integral part of the HVAC system because it circulates air throughout your home. Professionals, like those at Princeton heater repair, can offer expert advice and solutions regarding heating issues. Even the most powerful heater can be ineffective if the ductwork is failing. There are several reasons why your home’s ducts are not circulating enough air to keep your home warm.

If the ducts are dirty from dust, grime, debris, and pollutants, air will not be able to flow through your home. Cleaning your ducts can significantly improve the air circulation in your home. In addition, ducts that are torn, twisted, kinked, and ripped can also prevent air from circulating through your home or simply leak enough air to cause a major inefficiency in the heating system. Repairing these problems, such as kinks and tears, can restore your home’s air circulation to proper levels.

Check the Filter

Another common problem that is easily fixed is a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter can severely limit the flow of air from the heater, which can eventually cause the heater to overheat and shut down. Regularly checking the filter and replacing it when necessary can eliminate this particular problem from ever becoming a serious issue.

Although some heating problems require professional help, troubleshooting your heater can help to keep your heating costs down and also give you a better understanding of how your heating system operates.

Winter Home Dangers: How to Avoid Major Cold-Weather Disasters

February 1, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home repairs, winterLeave a comment

People go to extreme lengths to save money in the winter months, and some of these money-saving endeavors actually end up costing them more in the long run. There are several options to help you avoid major cold-weather disasters, but like all things that are worthwhile, they are going to cost you either time or money. By taking some necessary steps before the onslaught of winter, you can help to reduce damage to your home.

Wise Steps to Prepare for Winter

Winter storms are “Deceptive Killers.” The National Weather Service is known for calling them this because many winter deaths are indirectly related to the storm through traffic accidents or hypothermia. Stock up on rock salt and other products that can melt ice on walkways. Use sand to help improve traction, and have snow removal equipment to get rid of excess snow. Keep plenty of food and blankets on stock, and have a radio that operates on batteries so you can listen to emergency broadcasts.

Making the Best of a Current Storm

During a storm and when it gets near freezing temperatures, you need to keep the heat on in your home. Heating a single room isn’t the answer either. If you don’t keep your home well-heated, then the pipes in your home may burst. This can lead to additional damage and the need for more repairs in the future. It’s also important to stay indoors. If you do have to go outside, keep dry and make sure you walk carefully to avoid accidents.

Taking Care of the Aftermath

If a pipe bursts or you have other plumbing issues, it’s important to hire a plumber who can repair your water lines effectively. In an emergency, Puget Sound Plumbing recommends shutting off the main water line and calling for help immediately.

Getting Ready for Next Winter

When winter is over, it’s important to evaluate the stability of your home. Hire a plumber to check your pipes, get a roofer out to check your roof and get your car checked out by taking it to the mechanic. All of these steps can help you save money in the long-run, and it will help prevent you from getting stuck out in the snow next winter.

Even if you waited until your home was covered in snow, it’s not too late to get your home checked up and repaired. Save yourself additional money and be certain to have a hassle-free winter this year. Most Americans are going to face some form of severe winter weather, but you can help avoid a serious situation by preparing your home.

Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Winter Renovations for a More Comfortable Spring Home

January 28, 2016adminhome improvement, home remodeling, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tips, winterLeave a comment

When cool winter days arrive, you don’t have to give up on making improvements to your home. There are many projects that are ideally suited to being done in cooler weather, and can provide you with a more comfortable home when spring arrives. While you may think of home renovations as being a summer project, here are a few you can tackle even when the temperatures start to dip lower.

Painting Rooms
If you’re cooped up in the house anyway, you might as well transform the walls within to different colors you love. Break out the paint chips, choose some new shades, and mix up your decorating scheme. You’ll want to crack a window to ventilate the room you’re working in, but you won’t feel too cold once you work up a sweat as you cut in the edges and fill in new shades.

New Flooring
Winter is also an excellent time to install new flooring. Most wood floors need to acclimate to the room they’ll be installed in, so stack the boxes against an interior wall a few days before you start the work. Wood floors and most laminates don’t require any adhesive, so you won’t have to worry about ventilation. Remember that tile floors may feel chilly against your feet in cold climates, but wood floors and high-end vinyl are comfortable throughout the year. They’ll also be easier to clean in every season.

Look to the Backyard
If you want to warm up in style, then consider a Sonoma Backyard heated pool or hot tub. Most companies will offer installations even when the weather is a little chilly, and you’ll love being able to relax in your own hot tub outdoors no matter the weather. You’ll also find this particular addition is a hit when entertaining. If you’ve always ignored your backyard in past winters, then this may be the year to give this space some extra attention.

Window Treatments
If you’re trying to save on energy bills, then your window treatments can make a world of difference. Thick, thermal drapes will effectively block drafts while making any space feel warmer. You can open them during the day to let the warm sunshine in, and close them tightly at night to keep the evening chill away. If you’re feeling trapped in the house by cold temperatures, then you can make this renovation a little interesting by updating your window coverings to match the room.

New Fixtures
From the faucet in your bathroom to the kitchen lights, this is an ideal time to replace old fixtures. You can give the space a fresh new look, and you’ll enjoy your home more throughout the year. Most plumbing and electrical fixtures are replaced in a matter of hours, so it’s an easy weekend project for days when you’d rather not be outside anyway.

Attic Insulation

The last place you want to be on a hot summer day is in the attic, but winter is an ideal time to do some improvements in here. Wear long sleeves and a light jacket to keep insulation off your skin, and this way you won’t have to worry about getting heat stroke. You’ll find your energy bills are lower when the attic is properly covered, and as an added bonus, the savings will continue into the spring and summer months as the insulation prevents exterior heat from migrating into your living space.

When it comes to renovations, timing is everything. One benefit of many projects is that you can get a more attractive price on the labor in the wintertime. This is because most contractors slow down during the winter months, so you may be able to ask for a little discount on professional services.

Winter Storms: How to Combat any Cold Weather Damage to your Yard

January 27, 2016adminDIY Projects, lawn and garden, Winter Tipsgarden, home maintenance, winterLeave a comment

If you’ve invested a large amount of time and money in building and maintaining your yard, it seems an awful waste to let it decay from the harsh winter season. And while some level of damage is unavoidable, homeowners can minimize damage using these five simple tips.

Combat Frost Heaving

Frequent freezing then thawing of yard soil during fall or spring seasons can cause the ground to expand and contract, which ultimately causes damage to the roots and uprooting of shrubs and new plants off the soil. To combat frost heaving, apply 4 to 6 inches of mulch to maintain constant ground temperatures.

Combat Salt Damage

Salt is applied to sidewalks and roads to melt ice during the winter season. Unfortunately, as helpful as salt is to de-icing the ground, it can also cause or amplify Winter-induced injuries and plant decay including bud decay and twig dieback. Salt running down underground can get absorbed by plants and damage their roots and foliage. To avoid salt damage, try to plant flora as far away as possible from highly salted areas and from where there is heavy foot and vehicle traffic.

Combat Pests

Mice, rabbits, deer, and vole are all potential suspects that can cause serious damage to flora during the cold weather. These animals can consume soft twigs, bark, and plant foliage. Deer can inflict serious damage to trees when they rub their antlers against it. If a tree becomes too unstable and damaged to be near you and your family, make sure to contact tree removal service providers like Pete & Ron’s Tree Service.

Maintaining Deciduous Flora

Deciduous trees and shrubs lose their foliage during autumn season and have adapted to the cold climates by becoming dormant during winter season. While they have adopted to protect themselves, homeowners can practice techniques to make sure that plants enter dormancy state before temperatures drop down to significant levels. For instance, you can install plastic or wire guards around trees to protect young, tender barks from chomping mice and rabbits

Because plants and trees respond differently to Winter stress, it is of utter importance to learn and research about the ones you have in your yard. Some cold hardy trees like Larch and Lodge-Pole Pine may require less to no maintenance at all during winter, and intervening may only cause more harm than good to it. The same goes for several hardy shrub roses that require no winter protection.

5 Warm, Cozy Home Tips for Those Cold Winter Months

January 18, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Winter TipsDIY projects, energy efficient, home improvement, winterLeave a comment

Whether you bundle up with a ton of blankets, or find yourself craving a hot drink, winter seems to make you cold no matter how high you set the thermostat. Now that winter is in full swing, you may be wondering how to keep your home cozy when it is so chilly outside. There are several ways to keep your home well insulated and trap the heat inside; you just need to learn a few tricks.

Invest in a Draft Stopper
Many homes seem to have a slight draft underneath the front or back door so investing in a draft stopper to seal the space between the door and the floor will help keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside. If you are unable to purchase one, it is easy to make your own by lining the area with an old towel or rug.

Caulk Windows
Applying caulk to the inside of your windows is an inexpensive and easy way to help keep the cold air out. Many people live in older homes that may not have well-insulated windows so applying caulk to the lining is a great alternative to investing a lot of money in new windows. Just go to your local home improvement store to find some and get tips on how to apply it.

Close your Curtains
Closing your curtains once it gets dark will insulate your house from any drafts that may still be coming through the cold glass of your windows. However, during the day when the sun is shining, leave the curtains open to allow sunlight to shine in and naturally warm the room.

Close off Unused Rooms
If you live alone or have rooms you don’t use very often, keep those doors and vents closed to avoid heating rooms you won’t be using. This will allow the heat to travel to the rooms you and your family frequent, keeping you warmer and your costs down.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Purchasing a programmable thermostat can do wonders for your heating bills during the cold winter months. Applying settings that will keep the heat lower during the day when the sun is shining, and at night when you are sleeping will save a lot of money, and keep the house on a stable heating cycle at all times. While investing in the thermostat, it is also a good idea to get your furnace checked out. HomeSmart from Xcel Energy recommends you change your filter at least annually and get your furnace serviced to stay safe all year long.

It doesn’t take much to make a world of difference in keeping your home warm and cozy this winter. By following a few helpful tips, you will find your home stays warmer and your bills get lower.

Homeowners: Save on Your Heating & Cooling Bill

January 8, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, energy efficient, home improvement, home maintenance, summer, winterLeave a comment

Understanding how an HVAC unit works and how to best maintain it can enable you to avoid common HVAC repair problems and save money on heating and cooling. As this resource from refrigerationschool.com explains, even though HVAC equipment is mechanically complex, it is not hard to find ways to lower your energy bill while keeping the home at a good temperature.

Understanding the Basics

The four main types of HVAC units are the air conditioner, heat pump, boiler and furnace. Hot or cold air is distributed via a forced air, radiant or gravity-based system. Research has shown that radiant heating and cooling systems are particularly energy efficient but the fact is that any type of system has both advantages and disadvantages.

Saving Money

HVAC units need to be maintained both by a homeowner and a professional. Homeowners should replace or clean filters at least once a month, as doing so can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%. Yearly DIY maintenance jobs include cleaning the coil fins, heat exchanger and evaporator coil. Drains should be cleaned as and when needed. A professional HVAC technician should be called in to tune up the HVAC unit twice a year to extend the unit’s lifespan.

Adjusting Settings

A thermostat controls a home’s HVAC system. The United States Department of Energy recommends that the thermostat temperature be set at 68F for the winter. This setting can be lowered when sleeping or out of the home. For summer, the temperature should be set at no lower than 78F. Raising the temperature by a single degree in the winter (or lowering it by a single degree in the summer) can increase your energy bill by up to 1%.

Why It’s Worth It

An average monthly electric bill ranges from $279 to $359 depending on your geographical location. Up to 48% of all energy consumed in the average home is used to heat or cool the home and a single Kilowatt of electricity costs an average of 12.12 cents. Thankfully, you do not have to spend large amounts of money every month to keep your home at a pleasant temperature. The tips outlined above and in the following infographic can help you save a significant amount of money while still keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Winterize Your Home Decor & Liven Up Chilly Days

January 6, 2016adminHome Decor, Interior Design, Winter Tipsdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, home improvement, winterLeave a comment

There is no better way to welcome the cold months ahead than to turn up the heating, curl up in a soft blanket by the fireplace and enjoy your favorite indoor leisure activities. Once you are done with seasonal decluttering, add a note of warmth and comfort to your living area with the help of a few snug accessories that combine aesthetics with functionality. Do not know where to start? Here are some convenient tips on how to revamp the decor with a few inexpensive modifications and turn your home into a lovely spot for relaxation and enjoyment in the face of the cold outside.

Off with the chilling view: Cover your windows

Most homes leak heat like sieves, windows being one of the main culprits for energy loss and sky-high electricity bills. To trap warmth indoors, use rich, heavy drapery and other window coverings: this simple trick will prove a rewarding investment in terms of lower energy waste, added privacy from gossip mongering neighbors and improved room look. If you are not a big fan of lavish drapery, you can install custom blinds and shades that will allow you to weatherproof your home, keep out nosy peepers and protect the rooms from intense sunlight come spring and summer.

Put your foot down and enjoy it: Add soft, colorful carpets

Another aspect of your home that may use a little tender, love and care, floors will both look and feel better if you shod them with soft carpeting this winter. Elegant, thick rugs in either monochromatic designs or bold color combinations will provide an extra layer of insulation and add visual interest to your living area decor. When choosing new carpeting, avoid brash tones, go for soft, full carpets and make sure you match the floor cover color scheme to the rest of the décor (single-tone rugs and carpets with tastefully contrasted colors will work well in most settings).

Colors of windy weather: Use warm tones for comfort

Warm colors such as red, brown and gold will help create a cozy atmosphere indoors so in case your home is lacking in visual warmth, you can add details in one (or more) of these tones to liven up the room feel. Warm-colored knit motifs such as cushion covers, blankets and sofa throws will prove both a functional and appealing addition to your living room. Or, you can use ornaments and functional accessories such as brown, yellow or orange scented candles, golden mirror frames, red or coffee-colored jewelry boxes and lacquered wicker baskets to achieve the inviting look.

Light that shines through cold nights: Use candles and dimmer switches

Winter nights filled with the sounds of raging blizzards and stormy winds outside can truly be daunting. Do away with the common cold and creepy monsters that lurk in the night with the help of a subtle flicker of tea candles and dimmer lights. While scented candles offer an inexpensive and efficient way to add a little warmth to your home, dimmer switches and dimmable bulbs provide an endlessly customizable source of light for rooms which require different lighting for special occasions or different times of day.

Is your home ready for yet another winter fairytale? Follow these simple tips and add a note of warmth to your living area without breaking the bank. Remember: a home that feels cozy is the one which blends function and visual interest. If your house is lacking in the latter of the two, now is the best time to do something about it, before snow and freezing temperatures come knocking on your door and lock you in until springtime.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.

How to Safely and Efficiently Shovel Snow

January 4, 2016adminDIY Projects, Safety, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, Safety, winterLeave a comment

While school kids are busy wishing for snow days, us adults are wondering if this will be the year we’ll successfully shovel snow without backache or injury.

Most adults assume they know how to shovel snow. We grab a shovel and boldly attack the snow in an attempt to flaunt our strength. The problem is most of us assume wrong.

Instead of a bullheaded mantra of “tough and fast,” try integrating these tips as part of your new mantra: “safe and smart.”

Shovel Smart, Shovel Safe

Most homeowners will do some shoveling, so it is important to familiarize yourself with proper technique. Bad shoveling habits can lead to back injuries, falls, heart attacks and other medical calamities. To avoid injury:

Make a plan so you don’t end up moving the same snow twice. You don’t want to accidentally block your door, the street, your car, etc.
Move in small sections instead of straining to reach it all from one spot.
Don’t wait for the last flake to fall. Shovel every few inches so the snow is not as heavy.
If you’re unable to shovel before the end of the storm, shovel in layers instead.
Whenever possible, push the snow instead of lifting it on the shovel.
If you have to lift snow, lift with your legs, not your back.
If possible, walk the snow to where you want it instead of throwing it.
Don’t turn at the waist. Try pivoting on one foot instead.
Spray your shovel with cooking spray so the snow slides off instead of building up and weighing you down.

Take Time to Prepare

Just as important as your technique while shoveling is your preparation for the task. Make sure you:

Wear thick shoes with a good tread and ankle support.
Dress in layers so you can easily remove them as you work up a sweat.
Treat it like a workout: Stretch and warm up before heading out.
Take frequent breaks to warm up, stretch and hydrate. This is especially important for anyone with pre-existing health concerns.

Pick the Right Equipment

The right tools — whether that’s a shovel, a snow blower or heavy machinery — make all the difference.

When it comes to shovels, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Find a shovel that is the right length and weight for you. Be wary of shovels with ergonomic handles. They may make scooping and throwing snow more difficult.

Snow blowers are fantastic tools, but they must be chosen and handled with care. Bigger isn’t always better, so ignore flashy marketing and speak to a sales rep about your specific needs.

Follow safety precautions when using a snow blower. Never use your hand to clear clogs or debris. Use a broom handle or similar tool instead. Have family and pets stay inside to avoid ice, debris and other non-snow projectiles. Always wear gloves, hearing protection and protective glasses. Follow the same dressing guidelines as shoveling.

Have needs that can’t be met by a shovel or snow blower? My brother-in-law swears by his skid loader. He bought it when building his home and now uses it as his go-to snow removal tool. If your property is too big or annual snowfall too heavy, you may benefit from heavy machinery.

“Pride goeth before a fall.” That’s especially true when snow shoveling. Don’t let a need for speed or a desire to show off your strength put your health at risk. Following the above tips may not win you any snow removal races, but they will ensure you get through the winter without a visit to the chiropractor or ER.

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