Winter can be a tough time for everyone, but homeowners (or those in charge of their rental property's maintenance) have extra things to worry about. However, the winter doesn't have to be a nightmare, you just need to put a little bit of extra thought and effort into things around the home. If you want to get through the winter warm and safe, without blowing your life savings on the heating bill, check out these 12 essential tips!
Turn your thermostat down to save money. One or two degrees won't make much difference to how warm you feel, but each degree you decrease by can save you 2 to 3% on your energy bill.
Dust or vacuum out your radiators, as well as any heating vents. This will maximize the amount of heat that gets out into the room.
Give your furnace a visual inspection, to check there's no damage. Better yet, have an annual inspection from a professional.
If you smell gas, leave your home right away and get it checked out.
Replace or clean out your furnace filters. Not only will it save on energy bills, it's also important for safety.
If you have a fireplace, close the dampers while its not in use or warm air will get sucked out of the room.
On very cold nights, it's advisable to let your faucets drip just a little. This will stop the water from freezing in your pipes, which can cause serious damage to your plumbing system.
Check your windows and doors for drafts and then seal any offending areas with caulk.
After heavy snow fall, make sure any exhaust vents are clear. If they're blocked, this can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to go back into your home.
Check for ice accumulation on the inside of windows. If there is any, you may need some repairs come spring.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working. If there's a problem with your furnace, carbon monoxide could be released into your house. The gas is invisible, odorless and very deadly, so a working detector is a must-have.
Check for ice or damp spots in the attic. If there are any issues, you might need your roof repaired.
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