By: Emily Easley
"Winterized House" photo provided by www.blog.usa.gov
Moving to a house from an apartment is a big step in anyone’s life. At first, you probably bask in the joy of having a big, open space all to yourself. No more obnoxious roommates, loud stereos on the other side of your wall, dishes in the sink that aren’t yours, or clothes thrown across the bathroom that don’t belong to you. Unfortunately, that bigger domain of yours could start costing a bundle of money as winter sets in, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained. By doing a few small fixes, you can winterize your home and save big on heating bills.
As a home owner or long-term renter, winterization of your home is crucial. It helps protect the value and comfort of your living space. By following these winterizing tips you’ll feel cozy in your home and get a season’s worth of saving. Here are some simple things you can do that will not only save money but aggravation as well:
Inspection. "Home Inspection" photo provided by www.actioninspectionservices.org. A do-it-yourself home inspection is always a
smart idea when moving into a new home. Here are a few things to
remember to check or examine during an inspection. 
• Check the existing condition of all systems and equipment
• Examine the general quality and condition of the structure
• Inspect routine repair and maintenance items (pipes, fixtures, etc.)
• Bring a powerful flashlight to use in basements and crawl spaces
• Bring a stepladder to check attic, underside of the roof, and light fixtures
Professional
inspections are also a must for all sellers and buyers of homes. Make
sure to read the home inspectors report to find out what is in good
working order, what needs immediate repair or replacement, and what
will need attention in the future. If the seller has failed to get a
home inspection, look in your local phone book, online, or ask your
agent to find home inspectors in your area. A home inspection usually
costs between $400 and $1000 depending on the size of the house and
area of the country.
Heating. You could see big savings this winter by setting your thermostat to the right temperature.
•
Set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This is one
of the most often quoted hints for saving energy and money in the home.
•
Programmable thermostats reduce costs by lowering energy consumption
during times when they’re not in use. You can find these at Pullman’s
ACE Hardware for $32.99 to $129.99 per unit.
• Check your energy company’s website for helpful tips or rebate programs.
Call
your energy company to find out the previous owners average energy
consumption and what their average bill total was to get an idea of
what yours might be throughout the winter season.
Insulation. "Installing Insulation" photo provided by www.Icra.org. Check the insulation in your walls and attic to
ensure a cozy winter in your home. Consider factors such as your
climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation for
repairs or replacement in your home. 
Not all insulation is made the same, and not all homes need the same
insulation. “R” values rate the thermal performance of the insulation
product you choose for your home. The higher the “R” value, the greater
the insulating effect.
Types of insulation:
Insulation is
made from a variety of materials but usually comes in four types. You
can find insulation materials at Pullman’s ACE Hardware for $34.99 to $201.83.
• Rolls and batts are flexible products made from mineral fibers and are suited for attic or floor joists.
• Loose-fill insulation is made of small particles, blown into place, and is commonly used for walls and attics.
• Rigid foam insulation is a more expensive and thicker insulation used for buildings where large areas need to be filled.
• Foam-in-place insulation is blown into walls and reduces air leakage.
Places for insulation:
• One of the most cost-effective ways to
make your home more comfortable year-round is to add insulation in your
attic. Adding insulation in your attic is relatively easy and
cost-effective.
• Crawl spaces, unfinished, accessible areas, should be insulated.
•
Basement walls that are left uninsulated can account for 25 percent or
more of a home’s total heat loss. Insulate these walls to add comfort
and warmth to your home.
• Interior walls should be insulated to create a snug and comfortable living space.
Windows. "Caulking" photo provided by www.Icra.org. Some sources estimate that loss through windows
alone could account for up to 35 percent of heating bills, so
installing insulation in your windows during the winter can
significantly lower your heating bill. 
• Check that windows seal tightly and check caulking. Replace caulking if needed.
• Check for moisture damage inside
• Close your shades, shutters, blinds, or curtains as the weather cools
•
Attach thin, clear plastic film to the window trim inside of your
house. You can find insulation kits at the Pullman ACE Hardware for $3.99 to $11.99 each.
•
Use a candle or incense on a windy day to check around windows and
doors to determine where drafts are. Move the candle or incense along
the edges of the window or door and watch for the flame or smoke to
bend.
• Check, add, or replace weather-stripping.
Plumbing. "Insulated Pipes" photo provided by www.euroace.org. "Blow-Out Sprinkler" photo provided by www.floydcountyga.org. As the winter approaches the pipe systems in your house are something to pay close attention to. 
• Check for leaks or rust around pipes, fixtures, or the hot water heater
• Check walls around shower for hot water damage
•
Insulate interior pipes; this will leave you with a longer warmer
shower. You can find all the materials needed to insulate your pipes at
Pullman’s ACE Hardware for $10.49 to $125.55 per item.
• Find out the age of the water heater or whether it has been updated in any way
•
Blow-out your sprinkler system. If this is looked over, your pipes can
freeze, leaving you with a big problem the following summer.
Roof. Commonly forgotten, your roof needs just as much attention when it comes to winterizing your home.
• Check for leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks
• Make sure no trees are touching or hanging over onto the roof, as this could lead to stress or eventually damage
•
Find out the age of the existing roof and physically check the
condition of the shingles. Repair and replace if necessary, as heavy
winter snowfall can lead to damage or leaking.
• Clean those
gutters. Failure to clear them can leave you with potential ice and
water damage. By hand, scraper or spatula, unclog your gutters of the
leaves and debris that fall has left behind. This will allow winters
rain and melting snow to drain properly.