10 Ways To Save Money by Protecting Your Home from Extreme Weather
If the current heatwave has you staring at your AC bill in horror, or rains have rusted your roof to the point where you need an expensive replacement, you’re very aware of how extreme weather can impact your wallet.
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Well, never fear! GOBankingRates spoke to contractors and other experts share home tips that will protect you from extreme weather and save you money in the long run. Here’s what they told us.
Boost Your Insulation
James Marino, the general manager at Pinnacle Home Improvements, emphasized the importance of proper insulation.
He said, “One of the best ways to save on energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round is through proper insulation. Insulation acts as your home’s thermal blanket, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping it cool in the summer.”
Paige Warrington from ASAP Restoration agreed, adding, “To extend the useful hours of the [air conditioner], and to prevent energy loss, a simple method is to better insulate the home. One of the easiest ways to go about this is by adding a high R-value insulation into your attic.”
Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Roofing
“If you’re worried about storms, high winds or hail, installing impact-resistant roofing is a smart move,” shared Marino.
Traditional roofs can suffer significant damage during extreme weather events, which often leads to extensive repairs.
Marino continued, “Impact-resistant roofs are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage and extending the lifespan of your roof.”
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Another recommendation from Marino is upgrading to energy-efficient windows.
According to him, “Old, single-pane windows are notorious for energy loss, allowing drafts in during winter and heat during summer.”
Instead, Marino advised, “Upgrading to double or triple-pane energy-efficient windows can improve your home’s insulation, reduce noise and protect against UV rays that can damage your interiors.”
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Drain Outdoor Pipes
Richard Ala, a co-founder of Six Brothers Contractors, warned about the dangers of frozen pipes.
“One thing we see a lot is where folks haven’t drained their outdoor pipes before temperatures drop,” said Ala. “As the water freezes, it expands and essentially blows your pipes.”
Luckily, he also said it’s simple to avoid. “Switch off the water to your outside taps. Turn the taps until the flow of water stops and then turn off. You have now safely emptied your pipes.”
Weather Strip External Doors
“The benefits of weather stripping your external doors are huge,” said Ala.
No matter how well fitted your door might be, there will still be a small gap that allows air to flow in and out, affecting your energy efficiency.
Ala said, “Weather stripping is a cheap and easy trick to cut down your energy bills in both the hot and cold weather.”
Use Clever Landscaping
Matthew Consolo, owner of Air Force Roofing and Dreamscape Construction, suggested using landscaping to your advantage.
“Yes,” he said, “landscaping can really help your home during extreme heat. Select plants that’ll give shade — whether vines, trees or bushes. [Strategic] selection and planting can really help during the heat.”
Regular AC Maintenance
Another area of importance emphasized by Consolo is air conditioner maintenance.
“Before the heat kicks in, get your ACs serviced,” Consolo recommended. “They may appear to be working, but a health check will make sure they’re in tiptop condition, making them safer and more energy efficient.”
Peter Duncanson from ServiceMaster Restore added, “Change the [air conditioning filter] at least every 90 days. If you have allergies, consider replacing the filter once a month. Regularly changing air filters is a simple and cost-effective method to extend a system’s lifespan.”
Choose Light Colors for Your Home’s Exterior
If you’re looking to give your home’s exterior a fresh coat of paint, be careful which color you choose. “If your home is a dark color, you’re essentially attracting heat,” Consolo pointed out.
“If you’re considering a new look or your home’s ready for a repaint, opt for a lighter shade,” he continued. “Your home will be naturally much cooler, and you’ll save on energy bills.”
Protect Your Windows During Storms
Does your area have frequent storms or extreme winds? Brandon Walker, also from ASAP Restoration, encouraged homeowners in locations like these to protect their windows.
“If you have outside shutters, and there is going to be a tornado, hurricane or extreme winds of any kind, you can protect your home’s windows by closing the shutters on the outside,” said Walker.
“Latch them, and then close the curtains on the inside. This will protect you and your family from any breaking glass that may result from branches or debris hitting the window.”
This could also help minimize the damage done to the home as well as the extent of the repairs needed afterward.
Install a Moisture Detection Shut Off Switch
ASAP Restorations’ Josh Rudin shared a high-tech way to protect your home.
He said, “One of the best ways to prevent expensive flooding from plumbing issues in your home is to stop it immediately.”
This can be hard to do if you aren’t home when a pipe bursts, or when the HVAC system springs a leak. In the worst-case scenario, you could come home to a completely flooded property.
But, as Rudin explained, “You can avoid this though by simply installing a shut off valve that kicks into action when it detects moisture indicating a flood.”
This solution will give you peace of mind and help save your home (and your wallet) in the event of an emergency.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Ways To Save Money by Protecting Your Home from Extreme Weather