Winter Home Maintenance: Tips for a Warm and Safe Season

Although the deep chill hasn’t arrived just yet, now is the ideal time to get your home ready for the colder months. How much you save on energy bills this coming winter depends on the preparations you make now.

Maximize Comfort and Savings with a FREE Home Energy Assessment
For personalized recommendations, consider hiring a professional to perform an energy audit on your home. They’ll provide targeted, cost-saving strategies to improve energy efficiency during the winter and beyond. Schedule your free home energy audit with PSEG Long Island today.

Check out these practical steps to keep your home warm, cozy, and energy-efficient as the temperatures begin to drop.

Windows and Doors

Replace any worn weather stripping around doors to block drafts.
Caulk around gaps in windows to prevent heat from escaping.
Install storm doors if you have them for added insulation.
Consider upgrading older windows to newer, more energy-efficient models.

Insulation and Air Sealing

Proper attic insulation is key to keeping your home warm and reducing heating costs. Refer to the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommended R-value for your area and add insulation as needed.
Inspect your attic and basement for gaps around vents, pipes, and wiring, and seal them with insulation, caulking, or expandable foam.

Heating System

Have your heating system inspected by a qualified professional before winter sets in.
Clean vents and other components of your heating system to ensure they’re working efficiently.
Replace your furnace filter regularly throughout the season to maintain good airflow.
Install a programmable thermostat to lower the heat automatically when you’re not home, saving energy.
If your system is outdated, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency furnace or heat pump.

Chimney and Fireplace

Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning for your chimney and fireplace.
Repair or replace loose fireplace dampers to prevent warm air from escaping.
Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Install fireplace inserts, glass doors, or flue sealers to further reduce heat loss through the chimney.

Exterior Maintenance

Replace missing or damaged roof shingles to avoid leaks.
Clean gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from your home.
Check the flashing around chimneys and vent pipes to ensure they’re sealed properly.
Trim tree limbs that are close to or overhanging your roof to prevent damage from winter storms.

By taking these steps now, you’ll be better prepared for the colder weather ahead while keeping your energy costs in check!