Top 10 Tips for Saving Money & Energy this Winter in Smithville

 We here at Packs Hardware are studying ways to help keep you warm this winter. See the following steps every homeowner can use to keep warm, save money during the winter months. 

 

Some of us already know about ENERGY STAR appliances. But, did you know that ENERGY STAR has a variety of doors and windows? ENERGY STAR is all about Energy solutions. The way that a product is built becomes ENERGY STAR compliant by passing a series of standards to ensure you keep the heat in and the cold out in the winter. Ask a Packs Hardware representative about the best way you can improve your residence with a new window and/or door.

 

It may not sound like a big deal but directly unplugging your electronics and/or small appliances should help you save plenty of energy and money until it’s warm out again. As they are right now designed, electronics and appliances; such as scanners, TV’s, electric ranges, and even desktop computers or laptops, can dry out your wallet while not even turned on. We can only suggest is a couple of surge protecting power strips to help make disconnecting numerous electronics very fast and to help look after your equipment in the event of an electrical surge.

 

#8 Dress Up with Energy Efficient Drapes

Our customers should be happy to find out that the drapery you have been observing can in fact Assist you in saving money. Whether its drapes, or even shutters, the proper set of curtains, will help to more effectively control the temperature in your home. Curtains can help to insulate the space between your house and outside, while a great set of blinds can help keep out sunlight in the hot months cooling your home. Shutters are also a great upgrade, as they help to block wind, rain, and snow from pounding your home in even the most obtrusive weather.

For a lot of us, winter is the occasion for relaxation. Whatever the basis for your time away from home remember to lower the setting on your water heater to its lowest setting or “vacation mode” when you’re out.

sometimes, our homes’ water heater may not be in the most convenient of locations. In these cases, It is important to be sure that all your water lines are well insulated. We offer products to help you get the job done.

In more snowy and frosty temperatures, it is critical to not overlook the little things. Most importantly your plumbing. Frigid climate areas are prone to freeze, break, or erupt indoor plumbing pipes when temperatures drop below freezing. This is common in most homes’ kitchens or bathrooms. One smart tip is to leave cabinetry open during these times. This will allow for warmer air to prevent the pipes from freezing over when not in use. This will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on repairs or replacements.

 

#4 Space heaters are your friend

It sounds bizarre to have space heaters in a modern residence. However, there are plenty of benefits to ordering and keeping a few space heaters convenient. In cases of emergency, a propane heater will do the trick to help heat hard to reach parts of your residence. If it doesn't come down to that, portable electric space heaters should help drop the cost of your heating bill. This is do to only heating the parts of the home you are using. It is sometimes favored that you set your houses’s thermostat to 62-70 degrees, but each room in use can sit at a very comfortable 75-80 degrees in the worst winter has to offer.

 

One element we tend to overlook is that old thermostat. It’s old and analog and doesn't do a superb job of adjusting your home’s true temperature. Could be time for an upgrade. Smart thermostats allow for you to interact with your home’s central heating from a smartphone, detect trends, and set schedules in your usage and needs. A stylish thermostat can help to better control temperatures by giving an accurate account for and energy usage. old analog thermostats suffer from being overused or having antiquated parts. Updating your thermostat may even save you enough money to pay for itself.

 

#2 Install New Insulation

It’s really no mystery that insulation works well to keep your house mild in the winter days and chilled in the summer. But did you know that many homes sustain incompetent insulation solutions? If your home is over 60 years old, it may be time to update its insulation. Starting in places like the basement,attic, or garage, could help better regulate the areas where your home is unsuccessful in keeping the heat. If you are concerned about your home’s insulation, come by Packs Hardware and we’ll be glad to help you.

 

#1 Patching the Holes]1000]

Do not undervalue the strength of a proper sealing. Not only do homes need to be properly caulked, but sealing your windows can help you escape leaky areas in your home. Packs Hardware offers great sealing solutions that we can stand by. We have project kits that can support your winterizing efforts. Energy Star estimates that homes that have proper sealing can save right around 20% on cooling and heating costs. This turns into more money for you to keep you feeling even warmer in the colder days.

For more tips and ideas on how you can save more, stop by Packs Hardware in Smithville.