Winter in Boston

We are experiencing an unseasonably warm winter this year in Boston. Although we may have 40+ degree temps forecasted the next several days that doesn’t mean Winter won’t come back and hit us with its frigid temps again. Take the time now, while the weather is milder, to ensure that you have winterized your home properly and make your Boston, MA home is as energy efficient as possible.

Vents. Make sure to keep your vents clear and if possible, not blocked by furniture or rugs. This will keep your furnace from working overtime. If you must cover a vent with furniture you can buy plastic covers to help direct the air out from under the furniture. If you have rooms you don't use close the vents and shut the door, only heat the rooms you inhabit.

Doors. Similarly, doors that need repair or replacement are a leading source of heat loss. To prevent this from happening around your door, make sure that the perimeter around the door frame is insulated well. You can use weather stripping or foam tape to fill in gaps. You should also install new door sweeps to keep cold air from entering underneath the door. If your doors are past the point of repair, replacement doors may be in order.

Fireplace. When not using your fireplace be sure to keep the damper closed. All the heat being sucked out the damper can add up to hundreds of dollars in energy costs each winter.

Windows. You can check for drafts in your Boston, MA home by holding a candle near the frame to the door or window and watching to see if it flickers. Use rubber weather-stripping for large areas and use caulk for smaller areas to seal up any leaks. Underneath your doors a rolled-up towel or draft snake will help keep the cold air outside.

Power Outlets and Switches. Areas around power switches and outlets are also prime areas of heat loss. If the outlets aren't insulated well, heat may be escaping through the walls. However, adding insulation is usually a quick fix. If you're handy around the house, you simply disconnect the power, remove the face plates and carefully add on external outlets and light switches. If you aren't handy, enlist the help of an experienced electrician to avoid injury.

I hope you enjoy this winter season and can take advantage of some of these tips for your home. Should you decide you want to replace your drafty home with a more energy efficient model I'd love to help you find a new home in Boston, MA. Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent when you are ready to start the process.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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