Winter is coming, and as temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. Winterizing your home doesn’t need to be a huge, overwhelming task. In fact, with just a few simple steps, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, keep it cozy, and even save some money on your heating bills. Here are three easy ways to prepare your home for winter:
1. Flush Your Water Heater
Over time, particles and sediment from hard water can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, making it less efficient. This can lead to reduced heating capacity and potentially cause overheating, leaving you with higher energy costs or a broken unit.
How to do it:
- Turn off the power or gas to the water heater.
- Shut off the cold water supply valve.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a floor drain or outside.
- Open the drain valve and let the tank fully drain.
- Close the valve and refill the tank, ensuring it’s free of sediment.
Flushing your water heater once a year can improve its performance and extend its lifespan.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
If you haven’t already, now is the time to adjust your ceiling fans to rotate in a clockwise direction. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades. In the winter months, setting your fan to turn clockwise helps push warm air that naturally rises towards the ceiling back down to where you need it—on the floor.
Why it matters:
Warm air tends to collect at the ceiling, and by reversing your fan, you’ll circulate it throughout the room, keeping things warmer and reducing the need for excessive heating.
3. Program Your Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save money during the winter is by adjusting your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests lowering your thermostat by 7-10°F for 8 hours a day (like overnight or when you’re at work). This can save you up to 10 percent annually on your heating bills.
Tips for programming your thermostat:
- Set the temperature lower when you’re asleep or away from home.
- If you have a smart thermostat, consider setting it to adjust automatically based on your daily schedule.
- Avoid turning the heat up too high, as it will only lead to higher bills without significantly improving comfort.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter, but you’ll also ensure that your heating system runs efficiently.
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