You pay good money to heat your home during the winter. Don’t let your money escape through leaks in your home. Follow these tips for how to keep your heat:
- Seal Walls. The walls and ceilings of your home are the only thing separating the inside from the out, but walls have leaks where holes were cut to install outlets. Reduce the air leakage around outlets by caulking where the electric box meets the plasterboard. Make sure you shut off the power to that section of the house before working. If you have recessed can lights, you should also seal the can’s perimeter with caulk.
- Hunt for Insulation Gaps. From the attic to the crawl space, you’re bound to have gaps in your insulation. Anywhere that lets light in is a leak that should be filled with expanding foam to seal it up. For bigger gaps, traditional insulation will get the job done.
- Schedule a Heater Tune Up. If you haven’t done so already, replace your heater’s filter. Call your local heating oil company to schedule a tune up. Although a tune-up can cost around $100, it can end up saving you hundreds on your winter heating bills by ensuring your heater runs efficiently and also by preventing any potential costly repairs that may be needed should something break.
- Check Your Windows. Depending on how old your windows are, cold air could be entering your home right through the glass or sides. Get a free home energy audit to determine how much energy you could save by installing new windows. Installing cellular shades will also help insulate your windows from the cold without the price tag of replacing your windows.