You might be getting ready to start thinking about spring, but here in Northeast Ohio, you know that winter can last well into April. Keeping your home comfortable throughout these colder months sometimes can be difficult if you haven’t taken the proper steps in winterizing your home before the snow started falling. However, it’s not too late to make some adjustments and get your home as cozy and warm as possible for the remainder of the winter.

Winterizing Your Home – Steps You Can Take to Increase Comfort

When the wind is howling outside and the temperatures are frigid, it’s time to hunker down inside with a movie and some hot chocolate, probably nestled under a blanket on your couch. If you forgot to take some time to winterize your home before those temps dropped, however, you might feel chilly inside no matter how many blankets you pile on!

Here are the steps you need to take to winterize your home until those spring flowers start blooming:

• Seal up any leaks. Go around your home and feel for drafts around windows and doors. Add weather-stripping or plastic around windows and sliding glass doors you won’t be opening until it warms up outside. Even a small leak can affect your home’s energy efficiency by 5% to 30% as your furnace has to work that much harder to heat your home.
• Check your attic insulation. Making sure your attic is well-insulated is an easy way to increase your energy savings and stay warmer this winter. In fact, a properly insulated attic can save you up to 50% on your heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy! If the insulation levels in your attic seem low, it’s time to increase it.
• Change your furnace filters. You should change your furnace filter every month, and this is very important to remember to do throughout the winter! A dirty filter will restrict the airflow and increase the energy your furnace needs to properly heat your home.
• Put ceiling fans on reverse. Did you know you should continue to use your ceiling fans throughout the winter? Keep them on low but make sure you reverse the direction of the blades. They should be rotating clockwise to circulate the warmer air near the ceiling down into the room.
• Use your programmable thermostat. Make sure your programmable thermostat is set to work when you need it most- when you and your family are home! Keep it set to a cooler temperature when you’re at work or school, and you’ll find that you’ll not only save money on your energy bills, but you’ll stay nice and cozy warm when everyone is home.
• Keep your furnace well-maintained. Scheduling an annual furnace maintenance check is an essential part of winterizing your home. If you didn’t do so in the fall, call the experts at Efficient Heating and Cooling right now! A clean, well-running furnace will reduce energy use and ensure that your home is as comfortable as can be until the birds start singing and the grass starts growing again.

Want to get more comfortable in your home this winter? If you’re in the Cleveland area and need some expert advice, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.