Introduction
Winter in Washington State can be tough, with cold temperatures and constant rain making it challenging to stay warm. Keeping your home comfortable is essential, but it can get expensive if your home isn’t properly weatherized. Weatherizing your home helps keep the warmth in and the cold out—without sending your energy bills through the roof.
What is Weatherization?
Weatherization is the practice of protecting your home from the elements, whether that is snow, rain, wind, or heat. It helps you stay comfortable throughout the year and helps ease the cost of energy used to cool and heat your home. Essentially, weatherization limits the amount of air ‘leaking’ from your home, making it more energy efficient and cost effective to heat and cool your home. Here are eight ways to weatherize your home and save on your electricity bill this winter:
1. Seal Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Check for Air Leaks:
Use your hand to check your doors and windows for leaking air or gaps between door and window frames.
Apply Weatherstripping:
If you find gaps or areas leaking air, try applying weatherstripping as a quick, affordable way to seal gaps.
Install Door Sweeps:
Door sweeps are an easy way to block cold drafts from slipping under exterior doors. These strips, usually made of rubber or vinyl, seal the gap at the bottom of the door, keeping warm air in and cold air out. They’re affordable, simple to install, and can help you save on energy bills by reducing heat loss.
Window Film:
Another option for windows is to use window film to insulate windows and reduce heat loss. While it makes windows less functional during the winter, it can be worth it for the high energy savings, especially for draftier windows.
2. Inspect Foundation for Cracks and Gaps
Seal Cracks and Gaps:
Check your foundation for cracks or holes that could be causing outside air to leak into your crawl space. These leaks are important to take care of because they increase energy use and affect home comfort.
3. Insulate Your Attic
Improve or Add Insulation:
A well-insulated attic keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Consider upgrading or adding attic insulation to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Before adding insulation, ensure there are no water leaks or mold that could compromise the new insulation.
4. Check Ventilation
Ensure Proper Airflow:
Ventilation systems like bathroom fans and kitchen range hoods help maintain healthy air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Ensure ventilation systems are pulling air and working properly.
Check Exhaust Systems:
Make sure air is getting expelled to the outside and not just back into your walls or attic. When exhaust systems aren’t properly working, moisture can build up inside the home, causing mold.
Rotate Ceiling Fans:
During winter, set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to push warm air down and maintain a more even room temperature. Generally, this switch can be found on your fan remote or on the fan itself.
5. Maintain Heating Systems
Clean or Replace Filters:
If your home is heated with a furnace or other system that uses air filters, be sure to inspect and replace them regularly. This keeps heating systems working efficiently and maintains a healthy air quality in your home.
Clean Electric Heaters:
Dust and dirt can accumulate on electric heaters, reducing their efficiency and safety. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure they operate effectively. Before you start, always turn off the power supply to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Check for Duct Leaks:
If you have a duct heating system, inspect the ducts for leaks that might be directing hot air into your walls or floor instead of your rooms, wasting energy.
6. Perform Water Heater Maintenance
Flush your Water Heater:
You should flush your water heater once a year to ensure it functions properly and extend its lifespan. Regularly flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup that can make it work harder to heat water and shorten its lifespan.
Add an Insulating Cover:
If your water heater is in an uninsulated area, adding an insulating cover can help it retain heat, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain the water temperature.
7. Insulation Repair or Upgrades
Check for Missing or Damaged Insulation:
Inspect your walls, floors, and attic for areas where insulation may be lacking or damaged. Adding or upgrading insulation can significantly reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer. Be sure to address any water or mold problems you find before replacing any insulation.
8. Insulate Pipes
Insulate Water Pipes:
Insulate exposed water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from freezing in cold temperatures. Pipe insulation helps ensure the water stays hot, reducing the workload on your water heater.
Consider a Home Energy Audit for Year-Round Comfort
To better understand your home’s weatherization needs, consider scheduling a home energy audit or energy assessment. A specialist can identify air leaks and recommend specific steps to improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable temperatures year round. A home energy audit could even get you a tax credit!