Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the tumultuous weather Calgarians know and, well, tolerate. You may have prepared your wardrobe and car for winter weather, but how about your house?
ATCO Energy is your go-to partner when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck. Not only do they help Albertans get their homes fall and winter ready with expert-backed services and flexible energy plans, but they also have smart seasonal tips to ensure your home is prepped for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Here are seven tips to get you started!
Seal the season in
Keeping the comfort in means keeping the chill out.
Check for drafts around windows, doors, and attic hatches. If you feel even the tiniest whisper of cool air seeping in, seal the area with weatherstripping or caulking. This quick fix can reduce heating costs and keep you cozy all season long.
Give your furnace some TLC
Mother Nature works hard, but your furnace works harder. By giving it a professional tune-up every fall, you can ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and most importantly, peace of mind.
After all, it’s better to pay the small price of maintaining a furnace than the hefty price of replacing it entirely.
Let your thermostat do the thinking
This is another example of where an upfront cost can save you tons of money over time. A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature automatically so that your home is warm when you’re there and saves energy when you’re not.
Plus, many models offer remote control via app, so you can tweak the settings from anywhere.
Double-check your energy plan
Now is the time to review your energy plan — especially if you’re on a default ROLR. Reassessing options, like fixed or floating rates, can help manage costs as temperatures drop, and if you bundle your services with a provider like ATCO Energy, they can simplify billing and lead to extra savings.
It’s easier to stay on top of usage and cost when your energy is all in one place. Plus, ATCO Energy offers bill credits when you book home services to tackle your to-dos.
Outdoor repairs
You don’t want to procrastinate any outdoor fix-ups. Clearing gutters, trimming branches, and inspecting your roof before the snow falls can help prevent leaks and structural issues caused by ice and wind.
And just because you didn’t use your sprinklers this summer (thanks, rain) doesn’t mean you don’t have to drain them. The last thing you want to deal with this winter is frozen pipes.
Fall cleaning
It’s perhaps even more important than spring cleaning, because your home likely needs a cleanse from lingering summer dust and allergens.
Deep-clean carpets and ducts to enter the season with a clean slate. Trust us, you’re not going to want to do this in winter.
Book a home energy audit
You’ve done your best with the information you have, but sometimes an expert set of eyes is still needed. Book a professional energy audit to uncover hidden inefficiencies in your home, from poor insulation to outdated appliances and everything in between.
It’s a smart step toward reducing your energy bills and lets you focus your energy (no pun intended) on targeted upgrades that actually pay off.
And if this all sounds like a little much for you, ATCO Energy saves time and eliminates worry by putting you in contact with verified experts for more than 60 home services. You don’t even have to be a customer to use these home services — but if you are, it’s even easier to manage your home’s needs when it’s all in the same place, and you get up to $200 off your bill a year when you use their home services.
Get ready for hibernation by working with ATCO Energy to tackle your fall to-do list and keep your home cozy all season long.
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
Read articles
