Winter is Coming - Is your home ready?

Getting a home ready for a Minnesota winter involves ensuring it’s energy efficiency is ready to keep heating costs down while maintaining comfort. Here are some key tips I recommend:

1. Seal Drafts and Insulate

• Check for leaks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps.
• Add insulation to the attic, walls, and crawl spaces. Attic insulation is especially crucial, as heat rises and escapes through the roof.

2. Upgrade Windows

• Install storm windows or use plastic window insulation kits for older windows. If the budget allows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient double-pane or triple-pane windows.

3. Maintain Your Heating System

• Schedule a furnace tune-up to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace the filter regularly, as dirty filters make your system work harder.
• If possible, upgrade to a programmable thermostat to set the temperature lower when you're not home and higher when you're back.

4. Insulate Pipes

• Wrap pipes in unheated areas to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Insulating hot water pipes also reduces energy loss, helping your water heater run more efficiently.

5. Reverse Ceiling Fans

• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation. This pushes warm air downward, reducing the need for extra heating.

6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Consider replacing old appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and even washing machines with ENERGY STAR-rated models. These are designed to use less energy and save on utility bills.

7. Install Door Sweeps

• Install or replace door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent drafts from entering the home through the bottom of the door.

8. Use Heavy Curtains

• Install thermal curtains to help trap heat inside. At night, close the curtains to keep warm air from escaping through the windows.

9. Check the Fireplace

• Ensure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use, and consider installing a chimney balloon to prevent cold air from entering through the chimney.

10. Consider Solar Options

• While Minnesota winters have less sunlight, solar panels or solar-powered heating systems can still provide significant energy savings, especially with proper snow removal from panels.

By following these Zauner Realty LLC steps, you’ll ensure your home stays cozy during the winter months while lowering your energy costs.