As the temperatures plunge in winter, it’s hard to watch our heating bills soar. Why does it seem no matter how high we turn up the thermostat, we still feel chills throughout the house? And despite our best efforts to be frugal, we still see our monthly heating costs rise. As with most things when it comes to home ownership, it’s always cheaper and more efficient to put the work in ahead of time to try to prevent problems, rather than deal with possible catastrophes after the fact. We at White River Environmental Services LLC have some ideas on how to winterize your home so more of your paycheck goes to heating up your wallet rather than fighting the cold.
Seal, seal, seal
Weather stripping your home is an absolute must. Forgetting to seal up the cracks and crevices in your windows and doors can be a very costly mistake in the winter. According to the Department of Energy, sealing up drafts can account for 5 to 30 percent energy savings if done correctly.
Check your furnace
Schedule a furnace checkup. Newer furnaces should be checked every other year, and older furnaces once a year. HVAC professionals will look closely at any number of issues that could keep your furnace from running efficiently – and inefficiency is the doorway to higher heating costs. They will look for leaks and blockages in the vent system, pipes, and around any openings; they will check and replace your air filters if necessary; and they will test your thermostat calibration. Don’t put it off – the savings could surprise you.
Protect your pipes
Frozen and burst pipes are a nightmare to deal with. Even small amounts of ice inside a pipe could cause it to build up pressure and potentially burst. Do your best to avoid this immense hassle and expense by preparing your pipes now. Turn off any outside faucets and detach all hoses. Examine all visible pipes – on the interior and exterior. Look for any cracks – especially around joints and slits. Seal them up using caulk or aluminum tape. You want to block off any access points for cold air or moisture so that the water in your pipes is less likely to form into ice.
Insulate the attic
All the heat that your furnace generates floats upward – toward the attic. If the attic isn’t properly insulated, all that expensive heat just seeps out into the cold yonder. If you can do it safely, take a peek in your attic and see what the insulation looks like. If you feel the warmth, chances are your insulation is working properly. If it’s chilly up there, consider adding more insulation and making sure everything is sealed up.
Clean the gutters
Homeowners usually clean the gutters as part of their spring-cleaning regimen, but they should do it before winter hits. Blocked gutters can create harmful icicles and ice dams, which can damage your roof. No one wants to deal with a leaky roof ever, but especially during winter.
Give us a call!
For commercial and residential septic-tank and grease-trap maintenance and pumping in Northwest Arkansas – as well as winterizing tips – look no further than White River Environmental Services LLC. As a premiere environmental services company, we specialize in commercial and residential septic-tank upkeep, portable-toilet rentals, hand-sanitizing stations, and commercial grease-trap services. We strive to be efficient and professional, using the most advanced equipment and techniques in the industry. To learn more about the resources we provide, contact us by calling 479-841-2717, emailing, for more information and a free estimate. Honesty and reliability are two things you can count on from us. Call today and find out!
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