 | Charlie Traffas has been involved in marketing, media, publishing and insurance for more than 40 years. In addition to being a fully-licensed life, health, property and casualty agent, he is also President and Owner of Chart Marketing, Inc. (CMI). CMI operates and markets several different products and services that help B2B and B2C businesses throughout the country create customers...profitably. You may contact Charlie by phone at (316) 721-9200, by e-mail at ctraffas@chartmarketing.com, or you may visit at www.chartmarketing.com. |
Home Improvement
2007-02-01 16:23:00
Protecting your house from winter
How may I be sure my house is protected for the winter?
ANSWER: If you want to do it yourself, here are a few suggestions:
Pick a windy day (after all this is Kansas) and stand near closed doors and windows. If you feel air coming in around the window or door frame, then I can assure you heat is going out through those same openings. Simple solution is to foam strip the door frames with an inexpensive product that may be purchased from a hardware type store. Windows are a little different story. Insulating foam strip may not work on some windows, and you can buy a window kit that can be put up in the winter covering the complete window from frame to frame. They are made out of clear plastic, which allows light and you are able to see through.
Foundation leaks are another source of heat loss. This is where the foundation ends and the walls of your home begin; sometimes caulking can be applied direct to the cracks between the 2 structures. This is usually done on the outside of the home. If you have a basement, it could be performed on the inside as well.
Now I would like to give a word on furnaces. Have you furnace serviced at least once annually; change the filter at least once per month. An easy way to remember the filter is when your heating bill is received you can use that as a memory kick to get that filter changed or cleaned. A furnace that is not running to peak efficiency can cause you a loss of heat distribution throughout your home. Take advantage of having a professional look at your furnace, look for money saving ads and coupons offered to do a checkup of your furnace.
Also, check the insulation in your attic or crawl space or basement if it is unfinished. Proper levels of insulation are important to keep the heat in the rooms from escaping. Again, talk with a professional if you are unsure of whether you have enough insulation or not in all the places that can allow precious heat to escape. Final thought, any upgrade that has to do with saving money on high fuel bills will net you a profit in the long run. After all you’re entire home is your castle!
If you’re not up to doing it yourself remember most reputable companies will send a professional contractor out to see you for a free analysis of your home, and what it may cost to bring you peace of mind for the winter months. Make sure they leave you with a written estimate that you can pick and choose what services you would like them to perform. Check with me each month on a tidbit or two that will give you peace of mind for all the needs around your home.
