6 Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter

Tip #1: Ensure You Have a Properly Insulated Attic

If you don’t have insulation in your attic space, this is a great place to start! Since warm air rises, if your attic doesn’t contain adequate insulation, all of that hot air is just being leaked back outside. There are many different types of insulation you can install and they do not all work the same. We’ll discuss two types that can not only keep your home warm but possibly save you money!

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is a type of material that can be made from very fine fibers, usually glass. It has the ability to retain heat and insulate effectively for use in homes with high temperatures inside or outside its structure – making it an affordable option when compared against other types of more expensive alternative energy-efficient solutions like spray foam installation services.

Fiberglass batts typically offer around 3* per inch (R values) at best; this means you should aim for three inches widths worth on all sides if putting up 6″ walls which will result in higher performance than just two layers because there’s no need to reduce thicknesses down too. This is one of the most common materials used for insulation and a great option for attic insulation.

Cellulose Insulation

Another common material, cellulose is made from about 85% recycled paper with minerals added to create a fire and insect-resistant. It has an R-value of 3 per inch (the more insulation in your space the better) and you can install it using this specialized blower machine that sprays several inches into any open area for maximum insulating efficiency! Cellulose is a great option for your attic space.

The good thing about both of these insulations is they increase the energy efficiency in your home. When you use these types of insulation materials in your home, they may be eligible to save you money through the Mass Save program. Have a professional install insulation in your home before the dead of winter hits!

Tip #2: Replace Old Windows

An energy-efficient window prevents air leaks and keeps outdoor cold air out and indoor conditioned air in. This creates more comfortable living spaces and lower energy bills. Ineffective windows may have gaps between frames or only one pane of glass which is inefficient for both heat retention as well cooling.

Replacing your windows can help reduce the amount of heat loss your old windows may have been allowing. You may also be able to save money with tax incentives with new, energy-efficient windows. Check with a local window and door installer to ensure you don’t miss out on money and energy savings.

Tip #3: Seal Cracks Around Doors, Windows, and Vents to Keep Warm Air In

Any cracks or holes present in your home’s foundation, walls, and windows will let air escape. Make sure to seal up these small spaces with caulk to ensure you don’t lose any heating units due to a drafty house. If you have a drafty home, all of the heat your heating unit is working hard to create is being wasted by allowing cold outside air in. Caulk is also another inexpensive and easily accessible material that can be purchased at any home improvement store.

Tip #4: Add Weather Stripping Around Doors and Windows To Keep Cold Air Out

If you feel a draft around your doors and windows, it’s time to add some weather stripping! Weather stripping is cheap and easy to install so be sure to do this as soon as possible. You can easily purchase weather stripping at your local home improvement store. This is an inexpensive and cost-effective tactic to fill in the spaces your doors, windows, or vents may present.

Tip #5: Get Your Heating Unit Serviced

It’s a good idea to have your air conditioner unit serviced periodically. To prep for the New England cold, it’s essential to have a professional come check your heating unit now! Don’t wait until it’s broken and you and your family are left in the cold to get it fixed.

Professionals can conduct regular preventative maintenance on your unit to ensure it works all winter long! They can also provide suggestions for upgrading your unit to an energy-efficient model.

Tip #6: Get a No-Cost Energy Audit and Lower Your Energy Bills

If you’re not sure where to start and what you need to do to keep your home warm this winter, start with contacting a professional to conduct an energy audit. Energy audits can help you identify where you’re losing the most heat in your home and what changes you can make to remedy that.

Energy audit professionals can tell you how good your air quality is, any areas that need to be properly sealed, where you need to insulate your home, where you need to add insulation to your home, and certain building codes you may need to adhere to. This is a free service that can be done very quickly by insulation and air sealing professionals. Contact the team at Wattson Home Solutions to get your free assessment done!

The Connection Between Proper Home Insulation For Heating in the Winter

The New England winters can be brutal. If your exterior walls or attic walls don’t contain proper insulation air leakage can occur and heat inside will eventually end up outside. When your home is properly insulated, your HVAC system can function at its absolute best. It’s good to know if you’re home is insulated properly and if it’s not, how you can get it up to par. In Massachusetts, you can utilize the state program called Mass Save to help with finding professional help with your heating units and insulation needs.

If you follow these simple tips, your home will be nice and toasty all winter long. Contact your local Wattson Home Solutions team today, (855) 627-7674. Stay warm!