6 Wintertime Home Improvement Projects

Most people probably think of summertime as the time of year to start a home improvement project. That is one of the reasons you should consider doing your home upgrades in the winter instead. Because more people are doing projects in the summer, contractors are busier and materials are more expensive, which means you can usually save money by doing your improvements in the off-season. Consider taking on one or more of these five projects this winter.

1. Upgrade Your Appliances

Cold weather can drive up your heating costs, so the winter season is a great time to offset that expense by replacing your older appliances with new, energy-efficient models. Water heaters use about 12% of the typical household's total energy expenditure. If you live in the USA, Having a water heater company in Westwood for example and installing a new, energy-efficient model can save you significant money on your utility bills. Other appliances to consider upgrading include your refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher and HVAC system.

2. Stop Drafts

Drafty windows, doors and vents can run up your heating bill during the winter. If you feel a draft somewhere, or you spot any gaps or cracks, seal them up or contact a professional to make repairs. Depending on the location and size of the crack you may be able to seal it with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Adding some insulation can also cut down on the impact cold air has on the inside temperature of your home.

3. Maintain Your Heater

It is important to keep your heating system in good shape during the winter. A unit that isn't regularly inspected and serviced may run inefficiently, which can cost you more money on your heating bills or break down during the coldest part of the year. Not only is a broken heater during the winter a major inconvenience, but wintertime is the most expensive time of year to need repairs, so it is better to prevent problems from happening in the first place. If you have a boiler, be sure to check the water levels. Change your air filters at least once every three months. If you have pets, allergies, live in a windy area, smoke, use a fireplace or run your HVAC year-round, you may need to change your filters more often than that.

4. Paint the Interior of Your House

Since you are stuck in the house anyway, winter is a great time to take care of those painting jobs you have been putting off. Paint is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can drastically change the look of your home. Additionally, many retailers offer their lowest prices of the year on painting supplies during the winter. If you use a low VOC paint, you will not need to worry about having to open the windows. Running a fan should provide enough ventilation.

5. Remove Diseased or Dying Trees

Trees with dead limbs can pose a hazard to your property, particularly in the winter months when accumulations of ice and snow could snap the limbs, causing them to fall on your house or power lines. Because tree removal companies are the busiest in the spring and summer, you will likely get a lower rate during the wintertime. Additionally, when the ground is cold, removing trees does not cause as much damage to the surrounding landscaping. However, if the ground is completely frozen, you may have to wait for a thaw to remove the stump.

6. Switch to LED light bulbs

LED bulbs can use up to 75% less energy and last as much as 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs means you will not have to spend as much time and money replacing burnt-out bulbs and you will save money on your lighting bill.

Wintertime is a great time to get your home ready for cold weather and complete some home improvement projects for less money than you could if you waited until warmer months. Consider adding one of these projects to your winter to-do list.