How to Assess Your Home's Energy Efficiency to Prepare for Michigan Winters

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Winter's arrival in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan means homeowners must prepare their houses for cold weather. Checking your home's energy efficiency is a crucial step. This can help you save money on heating bills and stay comfortable during chilly months. Assessing your home's energy efficiency and getting ready for winter in Mt. Pleasant involves several important tasks and considerations.

Start with a Home Energy Audit

The first step in checking your home's energy efficiency is to do a home energy audit. You can hire a professional in Mt. Pleasant to do this, or you can do a basic check yourself. An audit will show you where your home is losing heat and wasting energy.

If you're doing it yourself, walk around your house and look for drafts, gaps, and areas where insulation might be thin. Pay special attention to windows, doors, and places where pipes or wires enter your home. These are common spots where cold air can get in.

Check Your Insulation

Good insulation is key to keeping your Mt. Pleasant home warm in winter. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and basement. If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you probably need more insulation. In Michigan's climate, experts recommend at least 16 inches of insulation in attics.

Don't forget about your walls. You can check wall insulation by turning off the power and removing an electrical outlet cover. If you can't see insulation, or if it looks thin, you might need to add more.

Inspect Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can be major sources of heat loss in Mt. Pleasant homes. Check for drafts by holding a candle or incense stick near the edges of windows and doors on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, you've found a draft.

Consider adding weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors. For older windows, you might want to think about replacing them with more energy-efficient models that are better suited for Michigan winters.

Look at Your Heating System

Your heating system is crucial for surviving winter in Mt. Pleasant. Have a professional check your furnace or boiler before the cold weather hits. They can clean it, check for any problems, and make sure it's running as efficiently as possible.

If your heating system is old, you might want to consider replacing it with a more efficient model. While this can be expensive upfront, it can save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Don't Forget About Your Water Heater

Water heaters use a lot of energy, especially in winter when the incoming water is colder. Check the temperature setting on your water heater. Most households don't need water hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature can save energy and money.

Also, consider insulating your water heater and the pipes leading from it. This can help keep the water hot as it travels to your faucets and showers, reducing the workload on your water heater.

Check for Air Leaks in Ductwork

If you have forced-air heating, check your ductwork for leaks. Leaky ducts can waste a lot of energy by heating spaces you don't use, like attics or crawl spaces. You can use a smoke pencil to check for leaks, or hire a professional in Mt. Pleasant to do a more thorough check.

Look at Your Lighting

While lighting might not seem directly related to winter preparedness, efficient lighting can help reduce your overall energy use. Replace old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use much less energy and last longer. This is especially important in Mt. Pleasant, where winter days are short and you'll be using more artificial light.

Consider a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically lowering the temperature when you're asleep or away from home. Some smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and adjust accordingly. This can be a great tool for managing heating in the variable weather of Mt. Pleasant.

Don't Overlook Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your Mt. Pleasant home, make sure it's not letting in cold air when not in use. Check that the damper is closed tightly when the fireplace isn't being used. You might also want to consider a chimney balloon, which can help prevent drafts.

Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces

Don't forget about the outside of your home. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent freezing. If you have an irrigation system, have it blown out before the first freeze in Mt. Pleasant. Also, trim any tree branches that could fall on your house during a winter storm.

By taking these steps to assess and improve your home's energy efficiency, you'll be well-prepared for the winter months in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Not only will you stay warmer, but you'll also likely see savings on your energy bills. Remember, every home is different, so what works best for your neighbor might not be the best solution for you. Don't hesitate to consult with local energy efficiency experts in Mt. Pleasant for personalized advice.

For expert help in making your Mt. Pleasant home more energy-efficient this winter, turn to Energy Plus Home Improvements. Our team of professionals can provide a thorough energy audit and recommend the best solutions for your specific needs. Don't let another Michigan winter catch you unprepared. Contact Energy Plus Home Improvements at 989-833-1000 to schedule your home energy assessment.