After the rush of the holidays, the new year is a good time for homeowners to turn their attention to home maintenance and improvement.Consumer Reports says that some investments now could mean significant savings down the road.”Heating your house can actually account for as much as 30% of your utility bills, so it’s really important that everything runs at peak efficiency,” said Paul Hope, an editor at Consumer Reports. “If you haven’t already done it for the year, it’s definitely time to get your heating system serviced.”To keep warm air inside, check for air leaks by lighting a stick of incense and holding it in front of windows and doors. If the smoke blows horizontally, there’s less than an airtight closure.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<Fast and inexpensive fixes include adding door snakes, weather stripping and caulking.”If you’ve tried all of these little fixes and it’s still not cutting it, it might be time to replace your windows,” Hope said. “Not only will you save on your energy bill, but a lot of modern windows are easier to clean, and they will help cut down on drafts and noise inside the house.”In Consumer Reports’ rigorous wind and weather tests, the Preservation window series earned top scores and comes in a variety of colors and wood grain looks.>> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<Pella 150 vinyl windows resisted wind as well as windows that cost twice as much.Another efficient way to add a buffer between the cold air and your home is with a storm door. After Consumer Reports weather tested and installed them, the Andersen door with a retractable screen for ventilation earned a recommendation.Experts said that another part of the home to not overlook is the roof.”Things like cracks, missing or curled shingles, or leaks in your ceiling are all signs that it might be time to repair or replace your roof,” Hope said.These fixes and updates might not be as costly as you think, Consumer Reports said. Look for local, state and federal incentive programs to see what’s available.
After the rush of the holidays, the new year is a good time for homeowners to turn their attention to home maintenance and improvement.
Consumer Reports says that some investments now could mean significant savings down the road.
“Heating your house can actually account for as much as 30% of your utility bills, so it’s really important that everything runs at peak efficiency,” said Paul Hope, an editor at Consumer Reports. “If you haven’t already done it for the year, it’s definitely time to get your heating system serviced.”
To keep warm air inside, check for air leaks by lighting a stick of incense and holding it in front of windows and doors. If the smoke blows horizontally, there’s less than an airtight closure.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
Fast and inexpensive fixes include adding door snakes, weather stripping and caulking.
“If you’ve tried all of these little fixes and it’s still not cutting it, it might be time to replace your windows,” Hope said. “Not only will you save on your energy bill, but a lot of modern windows are easier to clean, and they will help cut down on drafts and noise inside the house.”
In Consumer Reports’ rigorous wind and weather tests, the Preservation window series earned top scores and comes in a variety of colors and wood grain looks.
>> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<
Pella 150 vinyl windows resisted wind as well as windows that cost twice as much.
Another efficient way to add a buffer between the cold air and your home is with a storm door. After Consumer Reports weather tested and installed them, the Andersen door with a retractable screen for ventilation earned a recommendation.
Experts said that another part of the home to not overlook is the roof.
“Things like cracks, missing or curled shingles, or leaks in your ceiling are all signs that it might be time to repair or replace your roof,” Hope said.
These fixes and updates might not be as costly as you think, Consumer Reports said. Look for local, state and federal incentive programs to see what’s available.
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