11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget
There's no doubt about it — it's getting a lot colder out there!
Even in Texas and Oklahoma, where it stays warm much of the year, it can sure get frosty during the winter! And while you might be inclined to simply crank your thermostat up until you don't notice the frightful weather outside, you may not realize what it's costing you.
If you haven't taken steps to winterize your home, you and your family won't be as warm and comfortable as you'd like. And those higher heating bills can take a big bite of your household budget.
How Do I Winterize My Home?
In order to save as much money as possible during the cold winter months that are right around the corner, check out this list of 11 ways to winterize your home without breaking the bank!
1. Eliminate Drafts
If some rooms in your home are colder than others, there's a good chance that air from outside is getting in somehow. Check every inch of the room to find the hole or crack under a door and seal it ASAP to keep the warm in and the cold out.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan in the summer can be a lifesaver, but in the winter they can keep your wallet full! By changing the direction they spin, they'll push the hot air that rises to the ceiling back down to the floor.
3. Clean Your Gutters
For a lot of people, cleaning leaves that accumulated during the fall might be a spring cleaning activity. But if you go through the winter months with loads of debris in your gutters, your gutters can freeze up and create a rim of ice around your house that slowly pulls warmth from the inside.
4. Learn Proper Thermostat Control
After braving the outdoor elements, no one can really blame you for wanting to thaw out inside oven-like temperatures in your own home. But the wisest way to hold onto your money while keeping a warm home through the season is to install a programmable thermostat that controls the temperature automatically throughout the day, saving you money on your electric bill. They're on the very cheap side, around $25 at most hardware stores.
5. Investigate Your Insulation
If your home isn't properly insulated, you're probably losing both warmth during the winter and cool air during the summer. The best way to fix this is to add insulation in your attic. Even if you only add a little bit to the thinnest areas, you'll see savings on your utility bill. A completely new insulation installation might run you as much as $500, but it might help you out tremendously in the long run.
6. Close the Window on AC Units
One simple way to keep the cold out is to remove your window AC units from their windows and close the window tight. Many people forget to do this during the cold months, having kept them on at full blast during the summer. As a result, air slips in through the cracks around them and through their vents, wasting all that toasty inside warmth.
7. Change Your Furnace Filter
A clogged filter will make your furnace work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your appliance. A cheap way to winterize your home is to replace the filter regularly. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for how frequently you should make filter changes. If the filter is visibly dirty, make sure to upgrade to a new one immediately.
8. Insulate Your Water Heater
Many home water heaters are installed in a basement or garage next to an exterior wall. The exposure to the cold can make it harder for the unit to keep water hot during the winter. By wrapping your water heater in an insulating blanket, you can significantly increase its efficiency and lower your utility bill in the process. You'll find pre-cut blankets at most home improvement stores.
9. Install Storm Windows
Storm windows provide an extra layer of insulation that keeps cold air out and heated air inside during the winter. Newer homes with upgraded windows can accommodate storm windows you can slide down after pushing the screens up. Winterizing an old house may require a more extensive installation project. Covering windows with plastic film offers another cost-effective insulation option.
10. Use a Chimney Balloon
Even with the damper closed, a chimney can serve as a significant source of heat loss during the winter. If your home has a chimney, consider installing a chimney balloon to help keep drafts out and heated air inside. Of course, you'll only want to use a balloon when there's no fire in the fireplace!
11. Get a Heating System Tune-Up
How long has it been since you've had your heating system professionally maintained? One of the best pieces of advice regarding how to winterize your house is to contact a reputable HVAC contractor in your area to schedule an inspection. The tech will perform a series of troubleshooting and preventative maintenance steps to make sure your unit is in peak operating condition. Your system will work more efficiently, and you'll have fewer worries about an unexpected breakdown.
Atlas Credit Can Help During the Winter
These home winterization tips are guaranteed to both save you money and keep your family nice and cozy during the coldest months of the year in Texas and Oklahoma. However, if even these low-cost suggestions seem a little out of reach, there's always a helpful lifeline: a personal loan from Atlas Credit!
Apply For a Personal Loan Online
If you think you'll need something like brand new windows and insulation, or even a complete overhaul of your central heat and air system, you'll need money, fast. At Atlas Credit, we specialize in personal loans to underserved consumers who are looking to receive funds quickly. If you've been turned down by a bank, credit union, credit card company or another financial institution, we're willing and able to help.
Our Streamlined Application Process
We've made applying for a consumer installment loan as smooth and seamless as possible. You can call or visit one of our conveniently located branches in Texas or Oklahoma to complete the process. You can also fill out an application online if you prefer. We'll make a decision quickly, and if you qualify, you can typically receive your funds on the same day.
Apply for Your Loan Today
So apply for a quick and easy personal loan of up to $1,400 on a 5 to 12-month repayment plan. You know you want to get through those winter months comfortably, so contact Atlas Credit today!
