Pretty soon fall weather will be in full effect here in Colorado which means winter weather is soon to follow. Those of us that call Colorado home are used to the freezing temperatures and winter weather and even enjoy the outdoor activities that come with cold weather. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing – if it can be done outdoors in our beautiful home state then odds are we locals are taking part regardless of the weather.
While the temperature change indicates some fun outdoor activities, it can wreak havoc on our homes. Winterizing our homes is a top priority for many homeowners across Colorado and now is a great time to start before the weather drastically changes. Continue reading to learn 4 tips for keeping your home energy efficient this fall/winter.
1. Let Sunlight into Your Home
During the spring and summer months, we’re told to keep our curtains drawn during the day to keep our homes cooler. Likewise, letting the sunlight into your home during the day will warm up your home’s interior. Even if the daytime temps are in the 30s, letting the sunlight into your home could increase the temperature indoors naturally, allowing you to turn your thermostat down to save a little money.
2. Check for & Fix Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Have you ever walked by a window or door and felt a draft? If you’ve felt cool air entering your home around windows then odds are you have a draft. Cool outside air entering your home could result in higher energy bills since your HVAC unit has to work in overdrive to warm up your home.
If you’re unsure whether or not your windows and doors are drafty, inspect the caulk around the windows and doors for cracks or gaps. If you notice the caulk isn’t a tight seal then odds are cool air is entering and warm air is exiting your home through these cracks. If you have minor drafts then apply more caulk around your windows and doors. For more extensive projects, contact a window installation company for fixing drafty windows and doors.
3. Lower Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat may seem counterintuitive when the weather outside is chilly, but lowering it just a few degrees can save some dollars on your energy bills. According to The U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by just 7 degrees for at least 8 hours a day can save you around 10% a year on your energy bills. If you work out of the home then try lowering your thermostat when you’re not home, or even when you’re sleeping.
4. Keep Gutters Clean
Did you know that keeping your half-round gutters clean not only allows them to operate at peak performance but it can also make your home more energy efficient? Fall and winter are when most half-round gutter systems become clogged as a result of falling leaves, pine needles, and ice dams. When debris and ice are left to collect in your gutters then water gets backed up and has nowhere to go but to flow over the gutters or remain on your roof resulting in shingle damage and leaks. These leaks can have an impact on your attic’s insulation, increasing your energy bills.
To avoid clogged gutters, clean your gutters often. If you feel comfortable cleaning your gutters yourself, follow this quick guide to get them clean:
- Gather the tools you’ll need including a ladder, scoop, gloves, bucket, garden hose, and a plumber’s snake
- Remove all debris from the gutters
- Insert a plumber’s snake into the corner of the downspouts where the gutters meet the downspout
- Use a garden hose to flush out any debris you can’t remove by hand
By following the tips above you’re bound to make your home more energy-efficient this fall and winter. Letting the sunlight in, checking and fixing drafty windows and doors, lowering your thermostat, and keeping your gutters clean are all ways you can save money on your energy bills.
If you’re tired of cleaning your half-round gutter system, contact the team at K-Guard. Our leaf-free gutter system never has to be cleaned and eliminates the chance for your gutter system to become clogged as a result of debris or ice dams.
Why choose K-Guard? We’re the premier gutter installation company in Colorado, providing a leaf-free gutter solution for homeowners for many years. We offer a free in-home estimate that will provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision on replacing your gutter system. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not limited to, the following locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Littleton, Centennial, Aurora, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
