The weather is definitely changing here in Western New
York. Almost all the leaves are off the trees (and hopefully raked up in piles off your lawn). The skies are
often overcast and there’s a persistent chill in the air. If your home needs some help keeping you
warm this winter, our Weatherization Assistance Program may be able to help! (To find out if
you’re eligible, check out our website at www.nhssouthbuffalo.org or call our office at 823.3630.) You
may not need major work, however. Here are some tips to help keep your home warmer this winter and
save some money on energy bills.
Use draft guards on doors to the outside or unheated
places, like basements and garages. If you don't have the actual foam rollers, you can use old towels rolled up.
Install storm doors and windows to also keep your drafts down. For a few dollars, you can pick up some
window plastic insulation. When installed correctly, it’s nearly invisible to the eye and this is yet
another buffer between your home’s interior and the outside. Caulking and weather stripping where you see
cracks that drafts come in through is another way to keep your home energy efficient. If possible,
adding insulation (another weatherization service we offer) is a great way to lower heating costs.
You should also have your furnace’s air filter(s)
checked and probably changed. It is important to change your filter once a month during the heating season. You can
invest in a permanent filter but it is more expensive up front, typically about $50 more. With a permanent filter, you won't need to replace it, so the savings would come in the long run. Getting a tune-up for your heating system before the season starts is also a good
idea. Reducing the thermostat at night or when you are not going to be home is a simple way to reduce
heating costs. You can get programmable thermostats that will turn the heat on before you get up in
the morning. If you have a fireplace, make sure that you have enough wood and that the chimney area
is clear of birds and other animals. Before starting your first fire of the season, make sure to have
that chimney checked by a professional.
Running your ceiling fan in reverse helps push the
rising warm air back toward the floor.
Most ceiling fans have a switch on the side to change the direction of
the fan. If you have an air
conditioner or outdoor water lines, these should be drained and properly
sealed before winter. This can also save you some money next summer. Insulating your pipes can help keep
them from freezing during the winter as well. You can turn down the temperature on your water
heater, as most come installed at 140 degrees. Turning it down to even 120 will save you big money on your
energy bills. You could get a tankless water heater, but again the upfront costs are usually very
off-putting to most people. Bear in mind, the government offers certain tax breaks for energy saving upgrades
to your home.
For safety reasons, it is important that you take this
time of year to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should also make sure, if you
have one, that your snowblower is ready for the season. As always, make sure your lawn is
clear of leaves so that the rainwater (or melted snow water) can drain into the ground properly and not
into your home. The same applies to your gutters. Make sure they are clear of leaves, nests, etc.
so that they drain properly and don't ruin your roof.
As always, please call Neighborhood Housing Services of
South Buffalo to inquire about our weatherization services or visit our website at www.nhssouthbuffalo.org.
