4 Tips to Keep Your Home Warm And Save Money

There’s no denying that winter around this area can get COLD, so what can you do to save on heating?

The most obvious solution: turning the heat down. But you can only really lower it 1 or 2 degrees before you start to feel the difference. Who wants to freeze in their own home? Not us! And you shouldn’t have to either.

Here are a few things that you can do to help keep your home warm and save on heating costs this winter:

Going out? Turn it Down!

It is okay to turn your heat down if you know you will be leaving your home for an extended period of time. In fact, turning the temperature down 10-15% while you’re gone can help lower your heating costs every month.

Try installing a programmable thermostat if you’re on a regular work schedule, programming it to turn on a half hour before you arrive home so you can walk in to a comfortable temperature. Note: Make sure to keep the heat on high enough to prevent pipes from freezing.

Use Everything the Sun Has to Give

Most people don’t associate sunshine with winter, but the sun still comes out, and you can use that to your advantage. When the beams are shining into your home, open the curtains and let the sun in! The sunlight will help warm your house during the day, but remember to close them once the sun sinks below the horizon to help trap warm air in.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Insulation is the number one thing helping to keep the heat inside the walls of your home! Start in the attic (most homes don’t have properly insulated attics) and work your way down.

Find Those Cracks

Any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or the chimney allow the warm air in your home to escape. Find and seal any drafty areas to keep the cold out all winter long. Still feeling the cold coming through after sealing up the cracks in your windows? It might be time to think about installing replacement windows that are energy efficient!

Aspen Home Improvements offers a wide range of energy efficient replacement windows! Contact one of our home improvement specialists to learn more about installing new windows in your home. 

Repairing vs. Replacing

Like many things we purchase, sometimes windows come to a point when they’re just not quite worth repairing anymore and they just need to be replaced. The problem is in determining when exactly that point is. Here are areas you should consider when determining whether you should repair or replace your home’s windows.

Maintenance

Older windows require more maintenance than new windows, which is completely manageable if you have the time and don’t mind the extra work. If you’re just sick of the hassle of taking care of your windows, it might be time to replace them. Here are 3 questions you can answer that might sway your decision towards replacing instead of repairing:

Do the windows open and close easily? If you opt for the AC or heater even on the nicest of days simply to avoid the hassle of getting your windows opened and closed, it might be time to have them replaced so that you can give your home a little fresh air!

Are your windows painted? Painted windows can be a pain to keep looking nice as the paint can easily peel and become an eyesore inside and outside of your home. Replacing painted windows with new vinyl windows can eliminate this maintenance issue. If you don’t mind the sanding and repainting, and the windows are functioning as intended, then repairing the windows may be the best route for you.

How easy are your windows to clean? If you avoid cleaning your windows because they’re so difficult to clean, or worse, unsafe, then it’s time to replace them.

Energy Efficiency

If you notice major fluctuations in temperature inside your home despite the air conditioning or furnace, it might be time to swap your windows for more energy efficient ones. If your windows aren’t energy efficient you may be letting cold air in during those chilly winter nights, which can increase your heating bill. 

If your windows are energy efficient, drafts might be the problem and can be repaired by a professional, or you can try fixing the draft yourself.

Cost

Sometimes the cost of repairing a window just isn’t worth it. Here are some examples where replacing the window could be the cheaper or easier option in the long run:

Do you have wood rot? If your windows are showing signs of wood rot, it’s time to replace. Although you can attempt to fix this problem, it can be time consuming and may not fix the issue for good.

Is your hardware sticking or not working properly? You can replace the hardware on your windows, but of this doesn’t fix anything, the frame may be the problem and can be costly to fix.

Does condensation collect in your double pane windows? This could mean you have problems with the glass or window frame, which means it’s time to invest in new windows.

Have you decided what to do? Are you going to repair or replace your home’s windows?

If you decided replacement is the best option, Aspen Home Improvements has a variety of energy efficient window options to choose from and we offer professional window installation throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Contact Aspen to learn more about our window selections, products, and special offers!

How To Start Shopping for Any Home Improvement Project

Does just the thought of remodeling your home leave you feeling overwhelmed?

Whether you’re redecorating one room or giving your home’s exterior a total overhaul, it can be stressful. We see it all the time here at Aspen Home Improvements. Most people don’t even know where to begin, and that’s why we’re here to help guide you through the process of starting your home improvement project.

Be Inspired

Gathering inspiration from websites like Pinterest or Houzz can be a big help when you’re trying to decide exactly what you want to do with your home.

Did you know that on Houzz you can search the work of local companies like ours? You can see before and after images from previous projects, as well as customer reviews that we have worked with in the past.

When you discover images representing what you’d like to do with your own home, make sure to save them – they can come in handy when meeting with a professional.

Get Up Close and Personal

Stop by showrooms in your area and get an up-close look at the items you’re thinking about using in your renovation.

This is the fastest way to actually meet with home improvement specialists and see the products in person, rather than online. Our showroom has a diverse display of all the products we offer, and someone is always available to answer your questions and help you find what is right for your home!

Set Your Budget

Now that you’ve decided what you’d like to do with your home and have taken a look at some of the products your likely be using (hopefully you’ve taken a look at the showroom price-tags), you can set your budget.

Determine how much you can spend and then prioritize your spending to make sure you can afford to finish the most important/necessary aspects.

If you’re taking on a larger project, you can also consider home improvement financing.

Get Professional Help

There are some projects that you can do yourself, but we recommend talking to one of our home improvement specialists to see if you should tackle the project yourself or get professional help.

Our team has seen a lot of DIY mistakes in the past that we have had to correct. DIY projects can sometimes cause more damage to your home, resulting in an even more expensive home renovation.

If you’re thinking about any exterior renovations (windows, doors, roofing, and/or siding) Aspen Home Improvements’ specialists are here to assist you!

Send us a message or give us a call at 717-569-3700, we’d love to talk and help you turn your home into your dream home.