Home improvement projects can be a great way to improve your home and make it more comfortable and functional for the winter.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular home improvement projects that can be done during the winter season.
Insulation
One of the most popular home improvement projects during the winter is insulation.
Insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making it more comfortable to live in year-round.
There are a number of different types of insulation, so you’ll need to choose one that is best suited for your home.
Types of insulation:
- Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation, and it comes in a variety of different forms.
Fiberglass insulation is made up of tiny glass fibers that are suspended in a resin.
This type of insulation is known for its ability to resist heat transfer, making it a good choice for homes in colder climates.
It is also moisture-resistant, which makes it a good choice for homes in humid climates.
- Cellulose insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials, such as newspaper, and it is a popular choice for homes in colder climates.
This type of insulation is effective at resisting heat transfer, and it is also moisture-resistant.
One downside to cellulose insulation is that it can be a fire hazard if it is not installed correctly.
Another downside to this type of insulation is that it can be expensive.
- Polyurethane foam insulation
Polyurethane foam insulation is made from plastic and it is one of the most effective types of insulation.
This type of insulation is resistant to moisture and pests, and it can also help reduce noise levels in your home.
However, polyurethane foam insulation is an expensive type of insulation and it can make your home more difficult to heat.
- Spray foam insulation
This type of insulation is made from a closed-cell foam that is spray-applied into a wall, floor, or roof cavity.
The spray creates a thick layer on the interior of these spaces, which helps prevent air infiltration and makes it easier for your heating system to do its job.
One downside to this type of insulation is that it can be expensive, as well as difficult to install correctly.
Window Replacement
Another popular home improvement project for the winter is window replacement.
Windows that are drafty or cracked can let in a lot of cold air during the winter, which can make your heating system work much harder to keep the interior of your home warm.
In most cases, replacing old windows with double-paned windows or triple-paned windows will reduce the number of drafts in your home, which will save you money on energy costs.
You’ll also need to choose a window that is good for keeping out heat during the summer, as well as reducing noise levels.
Garage Door Replacement
If you spend a lot of time in your garage, then it is worth taking the time to replace your garage door with a new one that is energy-efficient.
On average, about 50% of heat loss happens through the garage door, so replacing an old or drafty door with a new insulated one can make your home more comfortable and more affordable for heating.
Sealing Air Leaks
Another popular home improvement project during the winter season is sealing air leaks around doors and windows.
Air leaks increase drafts in your home, which makes it harder for your heating system to keep warm air inside.
This means that you’ll have to use more energy when you’re trying to stay warm in your home, which can increase your energy bill.
You’ll also notice that you’re colder because cold air is leaking into your home.
One way to detect these leaks is by noticing where cold air is coming in through the cracks around windows and doors.
Once you’ve located them, you can seal them with caulk or weather stripping so they don’t leak anymore.
Exhaust fans
If you have an exhaust fan that is not properly sealed or working properly, then cold air can seep into your home through the fan.
One way to fix this problem is by sealing the area around the fan with caulk.
You should also make sure that your heating system isn’t circulating air from your kitchen or bathroom back into other rooms in your house, which will help reduce drafts and costs on your energy bill.
HVAC Repair
No matter how much money you spend on energy-efficient appliances and insulation, the efficiency of your HVAC system affects energy usage more than anything else.
The first step to improving the efficiency of your HV system is scheduling annual maintenance.
During annual maintenance, a technician will check the performance of all components in your HVAC system and clean or replace parts as needed.
This service can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system, which will save you money on energy bills.
Also, if you have older HVAC equipment that is not geothermal-ready then it might be time to consider replacing the equipment with a new unit that is more affordable to heat and cool.
There are many ways that you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system without spending too much extra cash.
Replacing bulbs with LED light bulbs
In addition to being one of the most energy-efficient types of lighting available, LED light bulbs also last longer than other types of lighting, which makes them worth the extra cost.
LED light bulbs are also available in a variety of different colors, so you don’t have to settle for the yellow hue that is common with fluorescent lights.
Fan or ceiling fan installation
Ceiling fans can circulate air throughout your home, which keeps it fresh and helps reduce drafts.
If your ceiling fan isn’t working properly or is old and outdated, then you should consider having it replaced with a new one.
Installing an Energy-Star ceiling fan will help reduce energy usage by making sure that your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard at keeping warm air circulating through your home.
If you have a portable fan, then you should consider purchasing an energy-efficient model.
The small cost to purchase an energy-efficient fan with replaceable batteries will save you so much in operating cost over time that it’s worth spending more upfront on the initial investment.
Smart thermostat installation
The price of installing a smart thermostat is typically more than offset by the cost savings that you will see on your monthly energy bills.
These types of thermostats use built-in WiFi to help control temperatures in your home according to programmed schedules, which helps you save money on heating and cooling costs.
Energy-efficient appliances
A washing machine or dishwasher with Energy Star certification uses less water and power than standard models. You could also upgrade an older model to one that has Energy Star features if it needs repairs or replacement.
Also, consider upgrading any lighting in appliance interiors with LED bulbs, as these lights will last longer and help reduce energy usage from running the appliance’s built-in lights.
Final Thoughts
Winter is a great time to take on home improvement projects that will help you save money on your energy bill.
We’ve provided a list of some winter home improvement projects that you should start now.
Some of these projects, such as caulking or weather-stripping windows and doors, are easy and don’t require any special skills or tools.
Others, such as repairing or replacing your HVAC system, might require the help of a professional.
However, all of these projects can help reduce the amount of energy that your home consumes and save you money in the long run.
Which project are you going to start first?…