We Minnesotans know how to enjoy our winters. That’s a good thing, because we certainly get plenty of winter. Making the most of winter means taking full advantage of the exciting outdoor sports, cozying up to crackling fires, and planning for the spring thaw. Enjoy winter, but be ready for spring with these energy saving tips:
Plan
Planning during winter for spring maintenance is a great way to get a jump start on necessary projects. You can develop a budget, research your best purchase options or repair services, and find plenty of energy-saving ideas online.
A good place to find energy saving tips is at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, which can guide you to projects big and small, such as replacing old HVAC equipment, roofing with energy-saving materials, or simply replacing weatherstripping to conserve heat.
Plan for major spring projects, such as roof repairs, new windows or siding, by researching reputable Minnesota contractors, including Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows. Compare our work experience, quality and professional affiliations with any other company, and you will see why we are your best choice as your spring maintenance partner.
Pinch
Pinch major pennies by following energy saving tips around the house:
- Check for drafts around closed windows and doors, then measure, plan and purchase new weatherstripping to go in during the first warm Minnesota weekend in spring. You will save on heating and cooling costs for years to come.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with either compact fluorescents (CFLs) or, better, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and not only save energy, you’ll replace bulbs much less often.
- Add weatherstripping around your garage doors, attic access, and basement entry doors to shut out even the smallest air leaks.
- Save dimes and dollars by replacing expensive, brand-name and potentially harmful household cleaners with earth-friendly, indoor air-friendly natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar and lemon oil.
Prevent
Probably the best energy saving tips you can apply during a typical Minnesota winter focus on preventing heat loss with insulation. Places to check:
- Attic—if you can see the joists, add insulation
- Attic—insulate flexible ducts running through untreated space
- Basement or crawlspace—use rigid board insulation around ductwork and against exterior walls
- Outlets—use expanding spray foam to surround the outside of electrical boxes, preventing energy-stealing, tiny air leaks
Get the most out of Minnesota’s beautiful winters by collecting energy saving tips to use at the first hint of spring.
Give us a call at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows for help with your Minnesota home improvement projects!