ReCasa Financial Blog

As winter approaches, it is important to consider weatherizing your properties, whether your primary residence or an investment property .  Below are some tips and tricks for saving money by lower energy usage and protecting the property.

  • Caulk around windows and weather-strip doors to keep cold air out
  • Remove window air conditioners, keep doors and windows shut tightly and add draft guards
  • Switch ceiling fans into winter mode
  • Turn off and unplug unused electronics
  • Adjust your thermostat for when you are home rather than for when you are away (it’s better to adjust the thermostat than to turn it off completely)
  • Never fall below 50 degrees in the house – If you do, water pipes have a chance of freezing
  • Check furnaces and fire places to make sure they are clean and working properly
  • Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to let light in and heat the room
  • Replace your summer linens with winter ones – heavy curtains and thick sheets and comforters
  • Repair water leaks throughout the house
  • Set hot water heater to between 120 and 140 degrees
  • Keep refrigerator coils and freezer coils clean
  • Use dimmers or single lights instead of multiple lights in one room
  • Use compact fluorescent bulbs as they use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer

What other tips and tricks can you add to this list?

Many municipal utility companies offer free or low-cost energy audits.  If your provider offers this, take advance of it and make sure your home is ready for the winter!

Be sure to share these energy-saving tips your tenants and assist them in making the necessary moves.   It is also a good way to inspect the working order of the mechanicals in your investment properties.

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