Winter home improvement ideas for Marylanders to stay cozy and save money
Winter in Maryland can bring cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, making it the perfect time to focus on indoor home improvement projects. Not only will these upgrades help you stay warm and cozy during the winter months, but they can also save you money on heating costs. In this article, we’ll explore a range of winter home improvement ideas that are tailor-made for Maryland residents.
Insulate your home
Maryland winters can be quite cold, and a well-insulated home is essential to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Consider adding insulation to your attic, as this is a mostly forgotten area that gives you the most bang for your buck when it comes to losing not only heat, but money. Adding blown-in insulation or regular insulation roles to your attic can help keep the warm air inside so you don’t lose a lot when trying to heat the inside of your home.
Other areas to insulate of course are walls that are your perimeter walls facing the outside. If you have an old home, consider checking to make sure there is insulation protecting your home from the winter elements. If you have an unfinished basement, you can lose a lot of heat during the winter by having exposed floors and walls. A rug and wall framing with insulation will help to keep the cold air out and the heat inside.
Insulation is a key factor in maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors, and it can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Air can sneak into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. Seal these gaps with weather-stripping, caulk, or foam sealant to prevent cold air infiltration and heat loss. This small improvement can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. This along with the insulation mentioned above can go a long way to making your home warmer while saving you money.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Old or inefficient windows and doors can contribute to heat loss. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient options that can improve insulation and reduce your heating costs. Investing in quality windows and doors is a smart choice for Maryland residents, with new windows lasting upwards of 20-25 years, it gives you peace of mind for many years to come.
Not only do new windows help during winter, they help year round with keeping the cold air in during the summer months too. In addition, new windows not only perform well but look great too, enhancing the look of your house.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature efficiently, ensuring your home stays warm when needed and conserves energy when you’re away. This smart upgrade can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills throughout the winter season.
Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom
Winter is the perfect time to tackle indoor home remodeling projects like updating your kitchen or bathroom. Whether it’s new cabinets, countertops, or fixtures, these improvements can enhance the look and functionality of your home.
Believe it or not, but by remodeling an entire room, it gives you a chance to upgrade old and inefficient parts to your home. Think about what you don’t see – insulation behind the walls, your old pipes in the wall, old inefficient walls and windows, floors with no insulation or poor seals, and so on. Doing these upgrades during the winter months no only give you the home of your dreams, but helps you in the long run have a high performing energy efficient home.
If you need other helpful tips on your home improvement project, read over the rest of our blog for ideas. Additionally, if you’re in Maryland areas like Hagerstown, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Damascus, Germantown, and surrounding places and need professionally licensed and insured general contractors to help you with your home project, call us at 301-820-5134 for a free estimate so we can take the hard part off your hands and get it done professionally and done right.