When It’s Freezing Out: Practical Home Winter Tips from One Homeowner to Another
In the wake of a massive snowstorm that swept across the United States last weekend— knocking out power for thousands of homes and cancelling a record number of flights — you might think homeowners would finally catch a break once the snow stopped falling.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t exactly been the case— at least not for the millions of Americans facing freeze warnings and other ongoing cold weather alerts this week.
Whether you’re currently wrapped up in your thickest blanket or you’re nervously staring down your thermostat, hoping it continues to do its job: you’re not alone. And if you have found yourself in a tough spot this week, dealing with heating issues or other unexpected problems, you’re definitely not the only one, either.
So, from one homeowner to another, aside from crossing our fingers that this winter eases up soon, what can we realistically do?
Start Simple!
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) generally suggests that 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal thermostat setting for most homes in the winter. However, during periods of deep freeze and other severe weather, closer to 70 degrees is a “safe bet,” according to deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, Ram Narayanamurthy.
Anything lower than 64 degrees, according to the DOE, could pose potential dangers to even healthy populations. That being said, it’s important to keep a close eye on your thermostat for early detection signs that your heating system isn’t keeping up with the cold.
If you’re noticing that it’s a bit chilly indoors— especially in drafty areas near windows or doors— installing adequate window treatments is a good place to start. The heavier the curtains, the better! Keeping blinds and curtains closed, in addition to applying weatherstripping and caulk are all simple things that you can do to keep the cold out.
When It’s Time to Look at the Bigger Picture
While it’s tempting to just layer up and plug in space heaters for a quick fix, there may come a time when a bigger issue needs to be addressed.
The next time you go to pick up the phone and call your local HVAC tech, consider checking out an Approved Contractor through the National Energy Improvement Fund— someone who has earned the seal of approval for quality work and customer service and can present you with NEIF’s low monthly payment financing options for qualifying home energy upgrades.
If you’re looking at an upgrade or installing another piece of high-efficiency equipment, those usually don’t come without a price tag. NEIF aims to make those types of investments more affordable for homeowners across the country. Working with an NEIF-Approved Contractor is a surefire way that you’re able to access the support and financial resources you may need to improve the comfort, efficiency, safety, and overall health of your home.
Cold weather doesn’t only test our patience, but our homes, too! Staying vigilant and acting sooner rather than later can help prevent emergency situations like frozen pipes, last-minute (and potentially expensive) fixes, and other issues that are temping to put off until ‘next winter.’
With some planning and the right support (from resources like NEIF’s Approved Contractor network and financing options for homeowners), you’re more likely to stay one step ahead of the cold.
SOURCES:ABC News, Enterprise News, NBC News