How to Prepare Your House for Winter
How to Cut Energy Costs During the Cold Fall & Winter Months
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the winter months. Winterizing your house not only helps keep you warm and cozy but also plays a significant role in reducing energy costs.
🌬️ Seal Drafts and Insulate
Keep the warm air in and the cold air out, I know–groundbreaking. Here is how best to do this:
Inspect windows and doors for gaps and cracks. Seal any openings with weatherstripping or caulk.
Consider adding storm windows or doors to insulate your home further. There are tax credits available for energy-efficient home improvements:
Exterior doors that meet applicable Energy Star requirements. Credit is limited to $250 per door and $500 total.
Exterior windows and skylights that meet Energy Star Most Efficient certification requirements. Credit is limited to $600 total.
Insulation and air sealing materials or systems that meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards in effect at the start of the year 2 years before installation. For example, materials or systems installed in 2025 must meet the IECC standard in effect on Jan. 1, 2023. These items don't have a specific credit limit, other than the maximum credit limit of $1,200.
Add extra insulation to your attic. This helps trap the heat that rises inside your home.
Insulate your windows if they are old. Renters, this one is for you!
🔎 Service Your Heating System
Your heating system is either your best friend or your biggest enemy during winter, so make sure it's in tip-top shape; friends are better than foes.
Schedule a professional heating system inspection and maintenance to ensure it's running efficiently. Pro tip: your electric or gas utility provider probably offers a free inspection, usually called something along the lines of an ‘energy audit’. Give them a call first before hiring a contractor.
Replace or clean air filters regularly to maintain good airflow.
Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient electric heating system if your current one is old and inefficient.
🕗 Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save on heating costs by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule:
Lower the temperature when you're asleep or away from home (during winter months, recommending 61-67°F) and raise it when you're awake and at home (during winter months, recommending 68-70°F).
Aim for a lower temperature setting (around 68°F or lower) when you're inside to maximize energy savings if possible.
Install a smart thermostat and have it do the work for you.
🧥 Insulate Your Water Heater
Everything loves a cozy sweater during winter, even your water heater.
Insulate your water heater and the first few feet of the hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
Lower the water heater temperature to around 120°F to reduce energy consumption. Is the hot water coming out of your faucets too hot, even scalding? This one’s for you.
💡 Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which produce less heat and use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
🪟 Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
If your budget allows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows:
Double-glazed or triple-glazed windows provide better insulation and reduce heat transfer.
Look for windows with the ENERGY STAR label, indicating they meet energy efficiency standards.
There are great rebates for energy-efficient window upgrades. Start here.
🏠 Seal Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney is properly sealed when not in use. An open chimney can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter, increasing your heating costs. If you have an old fireplace in your home that is out of commission, this would be a good one to check out.
Schedule an Energy Audit
Consider scheduling a professional energy audit for your home. Energy auditors can identify specific areas where your home is losing energy and suggest cost-effective solutions to address these issues. Your electric or gas utility provider probably offers a FREE audit service. Take advantage of this free service, and give them a call.
Winterizing your home doesn't have to be daunting; the benefits far outweigh the effort. By preparing your house for winter, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment while reducing your energy costs. Plus, you'll be doing your part to minimize your carbon footprint. To get started on these preparations now, use your Sustaio account to manage these tasks to get you winter-ready and enjoy a warm and cozy winter without breaking the bank.