Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter
There's nothing quite as lovely as a cool autumn morning in October right here in the land of 10,000 lakes. But as that cool air rolls in, it's also a reminder that it won't be long before winter's chill follows.
If you live in a house that struggles to keep up during the coldest winter months, the cold weather can cause your energy bills to soar. It can also have your family reaching for layers of socks and blankets in an attempt to stay more comfortable during the coldest winter months.
Whether you live in an older home or a new construction home, it's always a good idea to conduct a home energy audit if your house is too cold during the winter. In this post from the Twin Cities home exterior remodeling pros at Powers Premier, we'll share advice to help you keep your home warmer this season.
Give us a call to get a quote on home improvements that can keep your home more comfortable all year long!
Home Improvements for a Warmer Home
Even if you enjoy cold weather, chances are good you prefer to be toasty and warm when inside your home. The structural elements that make your home work together to create warmth are collectively known as thermal envelope. Think of the thermal envelope as an invisible protective barrier that keeps heat in and cold air out.
These are a few of the elements that work together to create your home's thermal envelope:
- Windows
- Doors
- Insulation
- Siding
- Roof
If your home is not as comfortable as you would prefer during the winter months, it's important to evaluate the above components and determine if upgrades are necessary. Although some home improvements are more affordable than others, every improvement you make can add value to your home.
At the same time, there's a good chance you'll see a reduction in your monthly energy costs that can add up over time.
Signs Your Home Is Inefficient
One of the problems with a home that has poor efficiency is that it can be easy to adapt to any weather condition. Over time, you get used to grabbing those extra layers or using space heaters in your main living spaces.
But there is a better way that's friendlier for the environment. Making efficiency-focused home improvements can help with all of the following problems.
Uneven Temperatures
When you walk through your home, do you notice rooms that are much colder than others while another room may be intolerably hot?
Although this could be due to an issue with your HVAC system, it's also just as likely to be caused by problems with your insulation or windows. To find out, begin by checking your vents and thermostat. Next, stand close to the windows in your room.
Do you notice a cold chill? Feel the floor to determine if cold air is seeping through, a common problem in older homes.
Last, touch the exterior walls to determine if they're colder than expected.
Ice Dams
Ice dams can result when an attic or roof is poorly insulated. In a well-insulated home, snow will remain on the roof. However, in a poorly insulated home, the heat from the house will rise through the roof, causing the snow to melt and then refreeze at the edge of the roof.
This can lead to roofing problems that shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Burst Pipes
When the world outside is a frozen tundra and your house isn't getting warm enough for comfort, the last thing you need is a frozen pipe.
Frozen pipes are especially an issue in older homes or when they're located in basements. When pipes freeze, they can end up costing you significantly.
Frozen Windows
In poorly insulated windows, condensation can form inside and freeze. This is a common problem in single-pane windows, damaged windows, and broken windows.
Drafts
There's nothing quite like watching the snowfall on a bright winter morning with a piping hot cup of coffee in hand. But if sitting next to your window is intolerable due to a draft, window replacement can make all the difference.
Doors are another common spot for drafts due to poor sealing.
Common Energy Upgrades
In addition to small changes you can make to help reduce your home's energy footprint and make it more comfortable, there are several key energy upgrades to consider.
You can start by replacing key components of your home's energy envelope with more efficient alternatives. If it's been a while since you invested in your siding or windows, you may be surprised to learn about some of the industry innovations that can help improve your home's energy efficiency!
Taking the following steps can increase your home's value while helping to reduce your monthly energy costs!
Window Replacement
Going for window replacement is one way to enhance your home's energy efficiency. By replacing your old windows with new ones, you're sure to reduce heat gain and heat loss, reducing the money you spend on energy.
Aside from helping you reduce your monthly energy cost, window replacement also helps to reduce condensation, cold spots and improve the security of your home.
In addition, it's important to check with your window replacement contractor to check the energy-saving properties of your new window to ensure that you're replacing your old windows with better ones.
Door Replacement
Upgrading to an energy-efficient door is also another way homeowners can spend less on energy costs. Old doors lose their insulation element with age, making it difficult for your home to retain heat in the winter and warm air in the summer.
Of course, this heat flow contributes heavily to your energy bills. However, when you replace your old doors with more energy-efficient ones, you save more energy costs.
Siding Update
Your siding is one of the aspects of the home that can improve your energy saving if you can update it.
The siding is added to the home to protect it from environmental elements like sun, snow, wind and rain. Therefore, upgrading your siding with a good siding material can reduce energy costs and improve energy performance in your home.
Roof Replacement
Every roof gets old with time and loses its ability to protect your home against the outer environment. When your roof gets old, it becomes less efficient in managing temperature and humidity levels from the outside.
Hence, this inefficiency allows the outside temperature to affect the internal environment, pushing your energy bills high. Therefore, going for roof repairs or outright replacement is one way to stop that from happening.
Insulation upgrades
You can't talk about reducing energy expenses without talking about insulation upgrades in your home.
Some of the vital areas of the home you must insulate to improve your home's energy performance are your attic, basement, floors etc. These places can be insulated adequately when you work with an insulation expert.
Contact Our Twin Cities Insulation Contractor
If you're tired of huddling around the fireplace just to get warm and tripping over space heater cords, it's time to make some changes. To request a quote on your roofing, siding, or insulation upgrades, call and connect with a member of our exterior remodeling team at 612-710-7283.
You can also connect with us online to discuss ideas for making your home more comfortable this winter. We look forward to hearing from you!