• Real Estate Professionals
  • Service Providers
  • Request Service
  • Sign In
  • 888.875.0533
  • Get a Quote
  • Menu
Request Service Sign In

Homeowner

  • Overview
  • Why Buy a Home Warranty
  • What's Covered
  • How to Request Service
  • Home Warranty Reviews
  • Get a Quote
  • Home Warranty 101
  • Budget Protection
  • What is a Home Warranty?

Service Provider

  • Overview
  • Why Join Our Team
  • Home Warranty Network 101
  • Service Provider Testimonials
  • Service Provider Application

Real Estate Professional

  • Overview
  • Why Choose First American
  • Sample Coverage
  • Locate Your Area Manager
  • CRES Home Warranty
  • Real Estate Testimonials
  • Marketing Materials

Resources

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Case Studies and Testimonials
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home Maintenance Tips
Menu

Sign In / Register

  • Email Address is required.
  • Password is required.
Register Forgot Password
Request Service Sign In
  • Blog Home
  • Budget Smart
  • Home Care
  • Home Maintenance
  • Home Warranty
  • Homeowner Tips
  • Lifestyle
  • Real Estate
  • Archives
Resolve to Maintain Your Home this New Year
Home Maintenance

Resolve to Maintain Your Home this New Year

About four years ago, I made a resolution that I would never make a New Year’s resolution again (it’s the only one I’ve ever stuck to!). However, my house could use a little sprucing up so I think I can make an exception and resolve to do a little home maintenance this year. The chill of winter is here and now is the perfect time to assess your home's heating situation. A little caulking here and a little insulation there can improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you some money.

Hire an energy auditor

If you’ve never had a professional energy auditor inspect your home, now is the time. For a few hundred dollars, an auditor will uncover problem spots of energy waste, such as poorly insulated areas and air leaks. An experienced eye can save you precious time and money so your home can become an energy efficient machine in no time.

Improve insulation

Poor insulation is a year-round problem, but is especially costly during the winter months when your warm air seeps out of your home. Not enough insulation equals spending more money on gas and electricity by trying to keep your home warm. Areas which are often in need of additional insulation include exterior exposed exterior piping and your hot water tank. Wrap these in an insulated sleeves and blankets for an easy fix or hire a professional to insulate them permanently.

Stop door and window air leaks

Hundreds of dollars in heat could be escaping through poorly sealed doors and windows. If you don’t want to pay for an energy auditor to inspect your house, you can perform your own audit by checking all doors and windows for air leaks. Seal any air leaks you find with caulking. It’s a good idea to install weather-stripping along improperly sealed edges and a door sweep for extra insulation. Eco-friendly window shades are another way to keep the heat in and cold air out. For a more permanent solution, consider installing storm windows and doors which will block out even more winter conditions.

Roof repairs

We all know that heat rises and a damaged roof could mean your heat is rising right out of your home. Avoid this by replacing missing or damaged shingles and inspecting areas around chimneys and other roof protrusions as air leaks are often found around these areas. Clear any debris which has collected in your gutters and downspouts to avoid additional problems.

Popular Articles

home warranty repair
What is a Home Warranty?
air conditioning units
How Does an Air Conditioner Work?
Garage conversion
Should You Convert Your Garage?
Woman comparing home warranties
Compare Home Warranty Plans
corn husks
Corn Husks - Not Just for Tamales
water heater temperature
What's the Best Temperature for Your Water Heater?
AC tune-up
How Air Conditioner Tune-ups Save Money

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to manage your sessions, manage content, and improve your website experience. To learn more about these technologies, your options, and about other categories of personal information we collect through this website and how we may use it, please see our privacy policy. This notice is effective for your use of this website for the next 14 days.

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
© 2021 First American Home Warranty Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. All rights reserved.