The cold weather is almost upon us, and it’s time to start getting ready to winterize your Peachtree City home in ways that will keep you comfortable but won’t use too much energy or increase your utility bill.

Drafts. Currents of cold air are a nuisance and suck warmth from your home. Put together a draft snake with fabric scraps and fill it with clean cat litter.

Furnace filters. Check these before you switch on your furnace, and replace or clean them if necessary. Filters should be inspected once a month.

Water heater. Even during winter you don’t need scalding water, so make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees F or lower.

Seal your home. Storm windows and doors make a big difference and lessen energy usage considerably as they exclude drafts and seal windows and doors more efficiently. Alternatively, purchase inexpensive window insulation kits from your local hardware store. Ductwork also needs to be checked to make sure there are no leaks.

Service the furnace. Schedule your furnace service in good time with your HVAC provider; well-maintained equipment runs smoothly and effectively.

Thermostat. Lowering your thermostat will decrease energy usage significantly. If you tend to forget to lower the heat when you are regularly out of the house, invest in a programmable thermostat.

Weatherstripping and caulking. Wherever two different building materials meet, such as window frames and bricks and plaster or doors and frames, the potential is there for drafts to enter or warm air to escape. Supplies for weatherstripping and caulking are easy to obtain and simple to apply.

Dress warmly. When you’re indoors, put on sweaters and other warm clothes to keep you comfortable without turning the heat up.

Insulate. Ensure that your attic and basement are well insulated, and think about adding insulation between walls if necessary. It’s important to insulate water pipes, as this keeps the water flowing through them hotter and also prevents pipes from freezing.

If you need more information about preparing to winterize your Peachtree City home, contact Powers Heating & Air. Our professional team is always ready to assist.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Cranach/Shutterstock”