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Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas for Winter

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Winter is just around the corner. As the weather starts to change and temperatures continue to drop, it’s time to think about how you can protect your home from the harsh winter weather while keeping your family comfortable. Below, we’ve put together some simple and affordable home improvement project ideas to help you prepare your home for the winter months ahead while saving money throughout the year.

Winter Home Improvement Projects

It’s time to get your home ready for the winter. Here are just a few affordable home improvement projects that you can do to maintain home comfort while saving on energy costs:

Seal any air leaks or openings.

For less than $100, you can work to seal the openings and air leaks around your home, especially around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. This helps keep the cold winter air front entering your home and also prevents the heat from escaping. This simple home improvement project can help you save a significant amount of money on energy costs while improving your home comfort. All it takes is some caulk, weather stripping, and waterproof sealant to get started.

Insulate your attic.

Another way to improve your home comfort while cutting down on energy costs is insulating your attic space. Though this may seem like a daunting task at first, it is one that homeowners can complete on their own without the help of a contractor. It can also be completed for less than $500, while providing a significant return on investment by helping lower energy costs over time. The best time to make sure that your insulation is effective is just before winter when temperatures start to drop significantly.

Install a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats help you improve efficiency when heating and cooling your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your home on a schedule. This helps you avoid paying to heat your home when no one is there as you can set the thermostat to a cooler temperature to conserve energy. It also helps ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature during the times when you and your family are home. Overall, this device saves you the hassle of adjusting your thermostat every time you leave and return home, but it can also help you save money while keeping your home comfortable throughout the winter time.

Winter HVAC Maintenance

While you’re preparing your home for the winter, don’t forget about your HVAC system. Most homeowners use their heater more often in the winter, which can cause wear and tear to the parts. If you are noticing issues with your heater or you just want a yearly tune-up, call the HVAC experts at Countryside. With decades of experiencing serving homeowners in the St. Croix Falls area and beyond, we know just want it takes to keep your Wisconsin home comfortable year-round.

Call now to schedule a service appointment: (800) 542-4243.

 

3 Ways to Reduce the Costs of HVAC Services in 2017

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The fluctuations in temperature from the coldest days during the wintertime to the scorching heat in the summertime can certainly increase the numbers on your home’s energy bill. Luckily we’ve come up with 3 simple solutions that will help alleviate some of those costs associated with your home’s HVAC system.

  1. Don’t Shed Your Sweater!

Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean that you should dress like it’s not winter outside. Layer up with a tee-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, long pants and socks while lounging around your home. This will keep your body warm, meaning that you’ll be much less likely to crank up the heat on your thermostat. You can even go the extra mile and wear a comfy hat indoors as well. It may seem silly, but it’s an easy (and fashionable!) way to save on your heating bills during the colder months. Also, in the same vein, keep throw blankets around the house so you’ll be more likely to reach for one of those rather than turning up your thermostat.

During the summertime, do the opposite. Shed extra clothing, and let any natural breezes in from the outside, which will help keep you cool without the added stress on your AC unit.

  1. Your Thermostat Matters.

The settings on your thermostat play a big part of how much you’ll pay in energy costs during both the cooler and warmer months. Many people enjoy having their thermostats set at 72 ºF, as it’s a comfortable temperature for most everyone; however, by decreasing that number by just a couple of degrees you can save big. Experts estimate that homeowners can save from 3 to 5% in energy costs with each degree on the thermostat decreased during the wintertime and increased in the summertime.

Another great way to save more money over the long-term is to invest in a smart thermostat. These types of thermostats can actually learn your home’s heating and cooling preferences and will adjust overtime so that you don’t have to worry about whether it is set to the most efficient temperatures for your home. These enable you to effortlessly adjust your settings during different times of the day via an internet connected device. For example, during Winter you can set your thermostat to a lower temperature at night and while you’re away at work; soon, your smart thermostat will learn these settings so you don’t have to think about it. In the Summer, you can increase your settings to a slightly warmer temperature while you’re sleeping or away.

And, if you don’t want to go all out for a Smart thermostat, simply upgrading to a programmable one, which runs between $40 and $200 can be a great way to decrease the costs on your home’s energy bill. These can also be programmed to run at different temperatures during different times of the day, which is a much more convenient than maintaining energy efficient temperatures with a typical manual thermostat.

  1. Let the Sunshine in and Keep the Cold Air Out!

This is a very easy way to help control the temperature in your home. Cover your home’s windows with heavy drapes to keep the warm air from escaping at night. During the day, open the drapes on your windows to allow the sunshine in. The heat from the sun will add a lot of warmth to your home with no cost at all to you. This works especially well with south facing windows and glass front doors.

Want to discover even more ways to save on your HVAC services in 2017? Contact us today to find out what promotions we are currently offering.

6 Reasons Home Comfort is a Luxury You Should Be Able to Afford

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Your home is where you relax after a hard day’s work and where you entertain your guests. Everyone wants to make their home as comfortable as possible, but maybe you shy away from what you consider to be expensive luxuries. Many people do. Of course the HVAC system is one superb comfort you can hardly do without.

How to Make Home Comfort Affordable

Here are 6 ways that you can take advantage of the many opportunities to make your home comfort more affordable:

Expert HVAC Advice

When it comes to affording home comfort, you need the insights from the experts. There are many decisions that you need to make in regard to your home comfort preferences. Take the HVAC system, for instance, the expert has vital insights about the perfect system to suit your home and fit in your budget. You will be surprised at how much information you will get from the expert within a short time.

HVAC Discounts and Promotional Offers

Once you have established the right system for your needs, the next step is to scout around for companies with promotional offers and generous trade discounts. There are various sources of information that can guide you to identify such sellers. The expert you have consulted can make this task much easier. Remember, the professional has in-depth knowledge and experience in buying and installing the comfort devices you want in your home. You can also shop around online in various online stores selling the item you want. Compare the prices and the terms, and pick the item that best fits your budget.

Financing Options for Heating and Cooling

There are many credible financial institutions with excellent and affordable financing options for the HVAC system or any other comfort device you need in your home. These financing arrangements come with varying monthly payments, interest rates and durations for repayment. Ask your professional advisor to guide in selecting the most convenient financing option for you.

HVAC Rebates

These are payment arrangements that promise to refund a percentage of the money you spend buying an item. Look around for businesses that offer generous rebates and take advantage of these offers. In any case, the refund will have a net effect of lowering the overall cost of your comfort system, whether a HVAC system or otherwise.

Affordable HVAC Installation

There are a variety of expert companies that specialize in installing and repairing the comfort systems in your house. The secret is getting a professional company that makes the most affordable quotes. Some of these firms too, have offers and discounts. Take advantage of the trade offers to lower the cost of installation.

Quality Home Comfort Devices

In case you are buying a HVAC system, do not let cost considerations overshadow quality issues. Granted, the cost of such higher quality systems might be higher, however, remember a good quality system will not need constant repairs, which will ultimately escalate your maintenance costs. A high quality system will be energy-efficient so your energy bills will not hit the roof.

Quality HVAC Repair and Maintenance

Constant use will wear out your system. Over time it will require routine maintenance and repairs. Ensuring you always get professionals to work on the system is the only sure way to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

With these tips you don’t have to break the bank to have your comforts deny yourself and family these necessary luxuries. Contact us on or browse our products and services for more information and assistance on how you can afford any comfort you need in your home.