A rush of arctic air from the Rocky Mountains in late December left most Rhode Islanders shivering from the cold and scrambling for ways to heat up their homes. The long streak of bitter cold may have forced some homeowners to consider installing insulation throughout their walls and attics, but J.Christopher Real Estate Group has several suggestions that can help you hold on to your savings while staying toasty.
Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate, explained that most Ocean State residents would benefit from knowing cost effective ways to heat their homes. “Home buyers are sometimes reluctant to buy homes that that have not been optimized for the cold without realizing there are other ways to ensure heating systems are efficient,” Lewis said.
The cost of professionally insulating a roof for an average size home hovers around $2,000, and that doesn’t factor in the costs of insulating walls in living spaces. In addition, homeowners may have to wait until next season because most of these renovations are usually done in the summer or fall.
With the potential of another cold spell coming soon, J.Christopher Real Estate Group understands the urgency to prepare for the cold, and we could like to recommend some alternative heating solutions.
- Caulk your windows to prevent cold drafts from entering your home. The air tight seal can also help trap heat in your home.
- Apply weather stripping to the inside of your windows and doors. Heat is bound to escape from your home, but did you know that 30 to 40 percent of that heat escapes from air leaks? By sealing those main entryways, you are helping to trap warm air while also using less energy to continuously heat your home.
- Install thermal, insulated curtains to reduce heat loss by as much as 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It is advised to leave the curtains open while the sun is pointing towards the window, and closing them after the sun is out of view to keep more warmth indoors.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat that could be turned up before you arrive. Do not completely turn off the thermostat on chilly days or nights because this can lead to frozen pipes, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. When used correctly, thermostats can save individuals 10 percent on their heating bill, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Before the stinging cold reaches your home, consider the suggestions above to save money and make your home more inviting. For other home improvement solutions or other real estate concerns, speak with a J.Christopher Real Estate agent.
While the real estate market in Rhode Island is on an upswing, many residents may be considering listing their property in the hopes of capitalizing on the trend. Although there is a shortage of starter homes in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Association of Realtors recently announced that the number of mid-priced homes sold in 2017 eclipsed previous records — meaning buyers in these price ranges have more options. To make your home stand out from the crowd, J.Christopher Real Estate Group has some tips that can help you sell your home quickly.