The holiday season has come and gone which means the most brutal of winter months are upon us. This can also mean rising heating costs if you aren’t prepared. If you live in a cold climate, you’re probably very familiar with how falling temperatures make heating and energy bills spike. However, there are ways to reduce your energy consumption this winter.

Follow the tips in this post to help both your wallet and the environment!

1. Lower your temperature down a few degrees.

This is probably the simplest way to reduce heating bills. While it’s certainly nice to have a toasty house all through winter, it gets very expensive very quickly. By bumping the thermostat down even just a couple of degrees, you can dramatically reduce your heating costs. Think of it as an excuse to invest in some cozy new sweaters and blankets!

2. Seal Crawlspace Vents.

Open crawlspace vents are a major cause of higher energy bills, condensation and mold growth. If your crawlspace vents are open, the precious hot air you’re paying for is leaking out into the world. By sealing these vents, you’ll keep that warm air where it’s supposed to be: in your home.

3. Seal pipe penetrations.

Many homeowners have pipes running through their foundation walls without any type of sealing. There are large gaps around the pipe which allows cold air to come in from outside. Sealing these pipes will ensure cold air isn’t coming through.

4. Give your insulation a makeover.

Insulation is one of the most important ways to keep your house warm without breaking the bank. If you live in a moist climate, your insulation may have become wet and stringy. Wet, stringy insulation can freeze and cause the floors in your home to become cold, thus making it harder to keep your house warm. By removing the old or damaged insulation and replacing it with new insulation, the heating and cooling properties in your home are improved dramatically and will reduce your risk of Fungi or mold growth. You’ll be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving you money all year round.

If you’ve noticed your energy bills rising this fall, you need to start preparing your home for the winter. By sealing crawlspace vents and pipe penetrations and by replacing your insulation, your home will be better equipped to keep out the cold all season long. If you’re serious about reducing your heating costs, then come in and talk to the experts at Moisture Loc. We offer all of the services listed above, and we’re ready to help you prepare for the winter weather.