Crisp fall air will soon usher in cold winter winds, and plunging temperatures often increase utility bills. That’s why it’s essential to prep your home now before harsh weather hits. Thankfully, there are many simple ways to winterize your home that reduce energy bills and keep you warm.

Doctor Fix-It’s licensed technicians are also ready to go to ensure your home is completely winterized and prepared for that cold air! Call them today at 303-993-1550 for the seamless, affordable, expert assistance you need.

In the meantime, follow these helpful tips to get started.

Fix Leaky Window and Door Frames

Air leaking around windows and door frames allows heat to escape and cold air to drift inside during the winter. To resolve this issue, replace worn weatherstrip on windows and doors. You can also add or replace door sweeps or stuff a draft stopper at the bottom of the door to help prevent cold air from flowing in.

Cover Windows with Plastic Film

Another way to minimize drafts and limit heat loss around windows is to cover the insides with plastic film. To help eliminate leaks, be sure to extend the film over the woodwork. Blocking as much heat loss as possible keeps living spaces warmer, saves energy, and lowers home heating costs.

Clean Gutters

It’s important to clean autumn leaves, debris, and dirt out of gutters before winter hits. When temperatures drop, ice can form on top of clogged gutters. As it melts, water flow is restricted and eventually creates ice dams that can cause unexpected roof damage. Cleaning gutters is a simple way to help prevent costly roof repairs.

Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

Winter heating costs tend to rise as cold weather rolls in. Installing a smart or programmable thermostat helps lower utility bills.

A smart thermostat learns how and when to adjust the interior temperature based on your preferences. It also knows when you’re away and lowers the temperature while the house is empty. A programmable thermostat also regulates temperature – but you program thermostat settings and adjustments manually.

According to Energy Star, an average American household spends $900 a year on heating costs. Using a smart or programmable thermostat helps save energy and reduce monthly heating expenses.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Reversing ceiling fans for the winter is a free and easy home heating hack that pushes warm air from the ceiling down into a room. Just flip the switch to turn the blades in a clockwise direction and help your heating bill drop.

Replace Furnace Filter

Check the furnace filter regularly—especially before winter—to maximize efficiency and stave off costly furnace repairs. Inspecting the filter monthly, or at least every three months while running the furnace, is good practice. If you can’t see through a filter when you hold it up to the light, it’s dirty and needs to be replaced. Using a clean filter during cold months will help lower your heating bill.

Call Doctor Fix-It For Complex Services

Some winterizing measures are complicated and better left to a pro. Call Doctor Fix-It to inspect or replace piping, do furnace replacement or repairs, install a new water heater, or to handle various other complex services. Doctor Fix-It’s expert team of technicians can also help with the following important cold-weather services.

• $49 Winter Freeze Diagnosis – Are your pipes at risk for freezing? Let a Doctor Fix-It pro take a look and find out.
• Water Heater Flush – Sediment builds up in the bottom of the water heater over time, which reduces its heating efficiency. Flushing the water heater once a year improves efficiency and helps prevent repairs and replacement.
• Furnace Tune-Up – Doctor Fix-It recommends getting a comprehensive furnace tune-up before winter sets in to help ensure your unit is in top shape to keep you warm as the cold winds blow. This essential service includes a full inspection to make sure all parts of your furnace are working properly, along with lubricating mechanical parts, tightening electrical connections, testing exhaust and ignition systems, and more.
• Main Water Shutoff Valve Replacement – Many homes that Doctor Fix-It services have a twisty gate shut-off valve versus a 1/4-turn ball valve. Unfortunately, the gate valve breaks frequently. So, it’s good to replace your valve before winter in case a pipe bursts.

Doctor Fix-It’s team of knowledgeable, trained experts are ready and able to address all your home’s winter prep needs. Contact your Denver-area Doctor Fix-It location at 303-993-1550 to schedule an appointment today!