The 6 Smartest Ways To Spend on Your Home This Winter
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Winter is here with a bang. Some parts of the country are dealing with icy winds, rain and snow. Surviving and thriving in a brutally chilly or stormy climate is tough on everyone, but it’s especially hard on homeowners, who have the onus of ensuring their homes stay safe and warm in inclement weather.
It’s important to spend some money on fortifying your home and making it comfortable and energy efficient (which will save you money on utility bills). Home experts spoke with GOBankingRates to share their recommendations for the smartest ways to spend money on your home this winter.
Upgrade To a Smart Thermostat
Shannon Feick, co-owner and co-founder at ASAP Properties, LLC, said the first thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is upgrade to a smart thermostat.
“I would recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat for $100 to $250 to lower heating bills,” he said.
Seal Drafts
You should also seal drafts with weatherstripping or caulk. Feick estimated that this will set you back anywhere from $50 to $200. Think of this as an investment that will hedge you against soaring energy bills driven up by heat usage.
Add Insulation
Insulation isn’t terribly affordable if you’re living on a frugal budget (it costs between $1,500 and $3,500, estimated Tim Heneveld, country director of PERGOLUX), but it’s crucial.
“It keeps your home warmer and saves on heating bills,” Heneveld said. “Start with the attic or walls, where heat escapes the most.”
Replace Old Windows With Energy-Efficient Windows
Cold weather thrives on rickety old windows. You should upgrade to energy-efficient windows.
“Replacing old windows with energy efficient ones for $500 to $1,000 each will help warm your home and also add to the home’s value,” Feick said.
Buy a Humidifier
A humidifier helps improve air quality during the dry, chilly months. They also provide some health relief if you’re dealing with a chest cold or feeling stuffy from the dry air blasting from your heater.
“I recently bought a new humidifier for $200 to help improve our air quality,” Feick said.
Make a Winter-Friendly Outdoor Space
You may be primarily focused on your indoors, which makes total sense since it’s where you spend most of your time in the chilly months, but don’t forget about your outdoor space. You should be able to enjoy your patio or yard.
“A fire pit or heaters under a pergola can create a great spot for chilly gatherings,” Heneveld said. “Make sure to pair it with weatherproof furniture, and the space will become an all-season extension of your home.”
The cost here depends on how far you go, but Heneveld estimated it can be as low as $1,000 (and as much as $7,000) to create an outdoor winter wonderland at home.
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