Tips for Maintaining Your Heating Bill This Winter

These past few weeks have definitely brought on a "chill" in the air. Whether you've already broke down and turned on your furnace or are trying to hold out for as long as possible, we all know it's coming. When the weather does turn cold, you can be prepared to keep you heating bills down with just a few easy tasks. The best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks have some tips to help you maintain a warm cozy AND efficient home without the expensive heating bill!


Caulk Trim and Baseboards
As you walk through your home, you may feel some obvious drafts in your home that you will need to tend to. But if you inspect things a little closer, you will find some small gaps that are inviting the cold air into your home. A simple trick that will expose these drafts is by simply running your damp finger along the edges of your interior windows and trim. The moistened skin will be very sensitive to the draft and indicate the areas that you need to caulk.

Inspect Doors 
The US Department of Energy claims that as much as 35% of the air leakage in a home comes from small openings in doors, windows and fireplaces. Door sweeps can make a huge difference by closing the gap that is between the bottom of your door and the flooring. Not only is this good for the entry doors but also a good idea for the basement and attic. You can also purchase stick on rubber weather stripping to go around the edges to seal the door and keep the warmth in and the cold out.

Prepare Your Windows 
One of the easiest ways to start saving is to simply make sure all of your windows are locked. By turning the latch, you are forcing the two panels together and removing the 2mm gap that you may not see. If you have older windows, you can apply clear weatherstripping tape along the edges or cover it with window film.

Have Your Furnace Inspected
The last thing you want to happen is to finally decide to turn on the heat only to find out that your furnace isn't functioning properly. Before it gets too cold, make sure to have a professional HVAC specialist come out to inspect your unit and make any necessary repairs. Preventative maintenance is also essential for proper functionality and lower utility bills. Dirty filters cause your furnace to work overtime to heat your home which will cause your heating bill to rise.

By following these simple tips, you'll keep your home warm, and more easily maintain an affordable utility bill all winter long. At eXp Realty, from the moment you start to look for your dream home, to the day you sell it because you need something bigger - we're here for you. Let our team of the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks assist you in finding your home, and then keeping it maintained through the years to make sure it's sell ready when you are! Visit our website at www.GotLakeRealEstate.com to learn more about the properties we have available and how we can help you get settled into a Lake of the Ozark home.





2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors

752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766
Location: Lake Ozark, MO, USA

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