It may 80 and sunny here in Beautiful Wisconsin, But we all know that that will not last forever. Do yourself a favor and start doing these 5 things while its still nice out.
1. CLEAN OUT THE GUTTERS
All the leaves and grime that you neglected while you were out swimming, hiking, or riding your bicycle this summer have built up in your gutters. If left full of debris, clogged gutters and drains can form ice dams that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. This can lead to water seeping into your home, which can lead to all sorts of issues and extra energy costs. Save yourself the hassle of repairing a leak by simply cleaning your gutters and drains now. When you do, run water through the gutters to check for misalignment that could also cause water damage.
2. KEEP THE OUTSIDE AIR OUT AND THE INSIDE AIR IN
We talk about this a lot, but it is hugely important for your energy savings to ensure there are no air leaks in your house. Warm air will escape out of any cracks and can make your heating system work harder and cost you more to heat your home. Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary house components like a door frame and weatherstripping to seal components that move like a double hung or crank out window.
3. SHOW SOME LOVE TO YOUR FURNACE
Your furnace may be a distant memory since you last powered it on, but before Wisconsin weather catches you off guard and you must reluctantly switch it on, give it some LOVE. Clean your furnace annually each autumn. Sediment build-up can cause your system to work less efficiently or potentially become a fire-hazard. Cleaning your system and getting it inspected will reduce the risks.
During the winter try to change your filter regularly; a dirty filter will decrease air flow and energy-efficiency. And if your furnace is ready to be replaced, buy an energy-efficient model. It will save you money and energy each month!
4. GET YOUR DUCTS IN A ROW
Your ducts are often times out of sight, out of mind, tucked away in the attic or basement, but a home with central heating can lose about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system. Make sure your ducts are in order by sealing them and having them cleaned. Tightly sealed and insulated ducts can potentially reduce your annual energy bills by $120 or more!
5. LIGHT THE WAY
The fall and winter months mean less daylight. I know we are all keen on saving energy, but we don't want any falls while you carry in your groceries. Luckily, you can still use your outdoor lighting without wasting money and energy. Because outdoor lights are typically left on for long periods of time, buying ENERGY SAVER products and bulbs to light your outdoor pathways or porches can save a lot of energy.
Colder weather may be a few months away but using these tips will now help you stay warm and cozy, while saving energy and money in your home.
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