Home Improvements to Consider Pursuing Before Winter
As a homeowner, you may not have thought about the impact that improving your home could have on your health. There are all types of allergens and contaminants that can spread throughout your home when you don’t take the time to make small home improvement changes. By improving your home today, you can expect more costly repairs in the future. But if you’re hoping to maintain your health through the winter, here are five ways you can improve your home today to still feel comfortable during the cold months.
Install New Windows and Seal Cracks to Stay Warm
The winter weather is nice to feel sometimes when you venture into the cool air. But when you’re in your home wanting to feel warm, the draft from the windows can mess up a good night’s sleep, to say the least. The reality is that your home requires more energy to heat up when you have cracks in your window.
According to Energy Star, you can save up to 25% on energy costs from sealing your windows. So, if you think it’ll boost your home’s appearance, consider installing new windows. Either way, you can still benefit from using a sturdy seal or choosing from foam or felt weather stripping. Remember, the latter option will require replacement at least every two years.
Insulate the Attic
Your attic may contain wool insulation used to keep your home warm in the winter. Most often, drafts can occur around the plumbing and ventilation pipes. Ignoring these will be costly, as more energy will be required to heat the home. If you notice even a small draft, it’s possible you didn’t realize that insulation degrades over time.
In the average home, 38% of heat loss is through windows and doors. If your home has drafty single-pane windows, heat loss through windows may increase to 50%. Understand that water damage is the main reason behind the degradation of attic insulation. So, take time to search for wet spots and puddles, damp, musty smells, and sounds of dripping water. It’s better to address water leaks first so they won’t interfere with your home’s insulation.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an essential component for having control of your home’s temperature. In the winter, your basement and floors on the lower level may be cooler, as heat will rise to the top floor rooms. If you’re a single homeowner, or you prefer less warmth, a programmable thermostat can allow you to make adjustments to a specific temperature. Many people nowadays have programmable thermostats. However, it’s important to have some self-control because heating costs can become quite high.
Complete Roof Repairs or Install a New Roof
You may have shingles that are missing or damaged, and as a result, you might experience water damage and leaks. Roof repair services aren’t something you should mess around with. If your roof is damaged, you’ll need to hire a roofer to install new shingles or replace the roof entirely.
According to a new CNBC and Acorns Invest In You Savings Survey, 17% of Americans said they use a financial advisor. That means many Americans may find themselves in a situation where they don’t know which home improvements should be a priority. Generally, you can expect to pay less than $3,000 for roofing services, but for custom changes and increased labor, that cost might increase, especially if you’ve let the damage sit for a while. So, consider the risks of not fixing your roof, and you’ll see that doing so will be worth the price and effort.
Energy use in the U.S. is doubling every 20 years. And yet, people still choose to heat up their homes without taking the time to consider the extra money that’s lost from unsealed windows and other cracks and leaks within the home. Sometimes, homeowners like yourself may find that certain installations are worth the money. Keep these tips in mind, and the cold months won’t give you a problem at all.