DIY Winterizing Projects

As the seasons change, house projects inevitably present themselves, whether due to normal wear and tear, or in response to natural changes in climate.

The arrival of winter is no different. Keeping your house warm, snug and free of drafts is an ongoing chore that requires some ingenuity as well as old-fashioned elbow grease. Here are a few DIY winterizing projects, courtesy of Popular Mechanics, that can help you to keep your house ship-shape as well as to cut down on heating costs. And, depending on circumstances, choosing to perform even more advanced projects could help you save significantly in tax credits:

Most obvious to AC World customers -- take time to winterize your air conditioner as well as any water lines. Just drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes, making sure there’s no substantial amount of water remaining in the equipment. Put away garden hoses and turn off any controls to exterior spouts. Should you be inclined to replace your central A/C system, now is as good a time as any to look into any rebates for an efficient system.

Lower the temperature of your hot water heater. Not only will you reduce the possibility of suffering an accidental scalding burn, you’ll again save energy – and, by extension, money. Lowering your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit could save you anywhere from 6% to 10% on your heating bill.

Use a home energy monitor in order to get a better sense of the amount of electricity you actually use at home. Many people find that they can lower their electric bills simply by paying closer attention to real-time use.

Add an extra layer of clothing, such as a fleece pullover or sweater, and turn down the thermostat if you’re going to be around the house during the day. If you live in an area with abundant sunshine, open the shades at peak times to take advantage of passive solar heat gain.

When it’s time to fire up your A/C unit during the warmer weather, give AC World a call to see about the potential for even more energy savings!