Prepare for Harsh Winter Weather
Weather patterns are changing! And they may bring a bitter chill to PA this winter. Not only is a La Nina developing, but the Polar Vortex is also stirring. And while it’s hard to predict exactly the kind of winter weather to expect, it will be costly if you don’t have cheap electricity. So, let’s check out several ways to protect your home from bitter cold and high electricity bills.
Seal Your Home from the Bitter Cold
Sealing air leaks in your home keeps the bitter cold and humid air outside. So your home stays at a comfortable temperature more easily. And caulking air leaks is an easy DIY project, that can save you 10%-20% on your energy bill!
Cold air and drafts can seep in through the smallest spaces in your home, including windows, doors, and even plumbing. So, for window and door leaks, use caulk and weatherstripping to seal up these spots. Check over plumbing areas where cold air can sneak in. You can use caulk or expanding foam to seal around the pipes.
Blocking the drafts in these areas will ensure the warmth inside your home stays put. But if you have a large sealed area that tends to get cold, such as your basement, you can add rigid foam board to insulate the walls. This will also help seal out moisture in the summer months.
Change Your HVAC Filters this Winter
Did you know replacing a dirty filter can lower your HVAC energy use by 5% to 15% and greatly improve your home’s air quality? Different HVAC systems use different kinds of filters. The most common are fiberglass, pleated, and reusable air filters. Filters also have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) rating, that tells you how “fine” your filter is. Make sure when replacing your HVAC filters, you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the filter type and MERV rating. Too fine a filter for your system may just make it run longer and cost you more.
Heat Your Home Safely
Once you’ve made sure to insulate your home from the cold, it should be easier to stay warm. But it’s important to heat your home safely. And it’s especially important during a winter storm, when the power could go out and you may have to rely on alternate heating sources.
Watch out for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. CO is an odorless, invisible gas emitted by burning fossil fuels. And alternate heating sources are a big culprit in yearly deaths from CO poisoning. To prevent CO poisoning , there’s a few things you can do. Install CO alarms on every floor in your home. Never use charcoal grills, kerosine lanterns, portable camp stoves or generators inside your home or an enclosed space. If you must use a portable generator, keep it as far from your home as possible.
Also watch out for fire risks. One in every seven home fires involves heating equipment! So, first make sure that anything flammable is at least three feet away from heat sources. Secondly, have your chimney cleaned and inspected yearly. And finally, only have one space heater plugged into an outlet at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
Bitter Cold is Coming, Shop PA Electricity Rates
Hopefully you feel better prepared for the winter! But did you know you can shop for a better electricity rate? A low rate from a reputable provider will not only save you money, but leave you worry-free. Compare providers, read reviews, and find the right plan for you. Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com