The Simple Maintenance Task That Can Help You Save Money (& Stay Warm) Over Winter

When cold weather sets in, many homeowners start thinking about ways to keep their house warm and not spend too much doing it. Let's face it, there are a lot of costly home heating mistakes we'd all like to avoid. One of the biggest culprits is warm air escaping your home via drafty windows. Thankfully, there is a simple fix — installing storm windows. Removing the screens of summer and replacing them with sturdy storm windows can not only save you money in heating costs, but it will also keep you nice and toasty warm during the winter months.

Every fall, wise homeowners know there are chores that need to be done to properly winterize their home. And some of these tasks are pretty second nature to those of us who live in areas that experience four actual seasons. Using products to prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter, cleaning your gutters, putting away garden hoses, and adding Styrofoam bib covers to outside faucets are all just part of the routine of fall. Some people even utilize DIY methods to insulate their garage from freezing temperatures in the winter in an effort to keep the rest of their home warm. Switching to storm windows in autumn is just one more way to ensure you're not letting money fly out the window.

Switching screens for storm windows is a key maintenance task that can help you save money. They don't just act as protection from harsh winter weather — they can also improve your home's efficiency. The space between your main window and the added storm window works like insulation. This pocket of air between the two panes creates a way for the window to reduce heat transfer and block cold drafts. This effect will help keep temperatures consistent within your home, which will prevent your furnace from working too hard.

If you don't own storm windows, it's probably a worthwhile investment in the long run that will save you more money. There are now interior and exterior styles available to purchase depending on your needs, and many are designed for easy installation. Not only will they help keep your home warm, but storm windows can also prevent your existing windows from damage created by snow, ice, and wind. If you're considering going out and buying storm windows, you might wonder whether Home Depot or Lowe's has the better deals — both retailers carry a wide range of options at different price points that can fit most budgets.

If storm windows aren't in your budget this fall, there are other ways you can protect your home from bitter temperatures. Take some time to go around the outside of your home and inspect your windows, making sure to check your weatherstripping and caulking around the frames. Replace any missing or damaged weatherstripping or caulk to help make your current windows more efficient.