With the fall season upon us and winter just right around the corner, now is a good time to make those ‘winterizing’ repairs and weatherize your home. The benefits will not only save on your utilities but can also serve as selling points to potential buyers. Here are just a few simple things you can do to improve the savings of owning a home:
*Caulking can be the easiest and cheapest thing you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency. Check around your doors and windows for any gaps, cracks or loose caulking. Be sure to use an acrylic latex caulk for these repairs. And while you’re at it, be sure to caulk around any pipes, wires or vents along the exterior of your home as well. It would also be prudent to caulk around the perimeter of your home where your exterior walls meet the foundation. Cool air can penetrate into a home from the slightest opening or gap.
*Another task you may want to consider is to ‘weather strip’ your doors and windows. There are a variety of weather stripping products available in hardware stores, and it too is an inexpensive item to purchase, with a lot of benefits to reap. At a minimum, weather stripping the doors or openings to your attic/basement and garage can pay off substantially. Don’t forget to check the door sweeps for any gaps that may appear; if you can see daylight or feel a draft, then you should replace it.
*Keep in mind that although any ‘window covering’ (including blinds) is better than no covering at all, some people choose to install either thermal shades or heavy draperies as extra protection against the cold. For those who want to go ‘big’, you may want to consider installing ‘storm doors and storm windows’.
*Adding extra insulation in your attic and around pipes is also another way to improve the air circulating in and through your home.
*Finally, check your roof and gutters. Pay attention specifically to the flashing between the roof and gutters. There should be a smooth transition between the two in order for the water to run down and into the gutters smoothly. Take the time to inspect your gutters and downspouts for any debris or clogs. Backed up gutters are not only a nuisance, but if unattended long enough can lead to bigger problems down the road.
As with any real estate question, contact a licensed Realtor to explain how these simple improvements can benefit you in the marketing and sale of your home.