With the cold winter season upon us, many families are spending more time at home. We are constantly trying to find activities that will keep us occupied. Since you are stuck at home mostly, we have listed some home projects that not only will update your home, it can help keep you busy!
Seal Up Cracks Around the House
The heating cost can be expensive. And who wants cold winter air invading their home. Take a look at your home’s outer walls, windows, doors, vents, and including any openings around pipes and vents for even the smallest cracks. Air seeps in and out of these cracks regularly. Sealing leaks and adding insulation can save homeowners an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs, or an average of 11% on total energy costs.
Sealing leaks alone around windows and doors, through the foundation, and in the attic, can reduce this airflow by about 25%.
Insulate the Attic, Ducts, and Foundation
If you live in a climate where winter is a regular season you need to make sure your attic is insulated. If your attic isn’t insulated, you’re guaranteed to lose air and heat. Proven to produce the largest return on investment for homeowners, This project will help to lower your energy bill. The first step as a homeowner should be to have your home evaluated through a home energy audit or home energy assessment to determine what sections of your house should be insulated.
Maintain Your Heating System
Your heating system absolutely warrants some TLC during the winter. Keep an eye on the water levels in your boiler to ensure they don’t drop too low. Also, check and change your furnace filters. Most HVAC and heating system filters need to be changed at least every three months, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Have you ever considered programmable thermostats for your home? This update for your winter home improvement project will allow you to convert the heating and cooling to fit your needs. Programmable thermostats automatically regulating the temperature in your home. The capability to control some thermostats remotely will not only increase your quality of life, but it will save you money in the long run.
Other Projects for Your Home.
After you improve your home's heating and insulation to keep your home warm, then you can move on to other projects for your home. Updating kitchens and bathrooms will also increase the value of your home as well as give you a feel of a new room.
Kitchen:
- Install kitchen backsplash
- Install new kitchen cabinet hardware
- Update your kitchen sink
- Update your kitchen faucet
Bathroom:
- Invest in a new soaker tub
- Install a rainshower
- Update your bathroom sink
- Update your toilet
During these long winters, it is best to keep busy! Start these easy projects today to give your home comfort and probably some much-needed updates.
Contact Plumbtile today if you need expert advice on your home improvement needs.
