Winter is Coming: 8 Tips to Keep it Summer on the Inside
A1DesignBuild is a designer and builder homes in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. We specialize in everything from home remodels to complete high-performance home builds, and our over 70 years of providing excellent service to the community assures that your home project gets done right - each and every time. Read on to learn more.
How to Prepare for Winter: 8 Tips on Keeping Your House Warm
As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, it’s a good time to prepare for overall comfort and lower heating costs. Whether your home is a certified Passive House or just aspiring to be more efficient, small upgrades and habits can make a big difference in how you feel this winter, and here’s eight tips to keep your home cozy regardless of the storms on the horizon:
Seal the Envelope
Air leaks are the number one source of heat loss. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows, and caulk gaps around outlets, vents, and trim. Walk around and do a quick audit.Upgrade Insulation
Attic, wall, and floor insulation really makes a difference. Older homes, especially those ‘antique homes’ in Bellingham, often lack proper insulation in the crawlspace underneath the house. So take a look. Dense-packed cellulose or continuous exterior insulation dramatically improves thermal performance.Service Your HVAC or HRV System
Clean filters, test thermostats, and ensure your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is balanced. Clean air is warm air. It also might be time for a professional service if it’s been longer than a few years.Maximize Solar Gain
Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun work for you, then close them at night to trap that free heat inside. Simple but effective.Check Your Windows
Double- or triple-pane glazing with low-E coatings can significantly reduce heat loss. Temporary plastic films or insulated curtains are good stopgaps.Eliminate Thermal Bridges
Cold spots around beams, floors, and junctions waste heat. Adding insulation or air sealing here pays off almost immediately.Use Smart Controls
A programmable thermostat helps you reduce energy use when you’re away without sacrificing comfort. So if you’re going to work, lower the thermostat for a few hours, then have it kick back on an hour or so before you get home.Plan for the Long Term
If your home still feels drafty, consider a professional blower door test or energy audit. Here in Whatcom County, we’re lucky to have a program through the City of Bellingham and Sustainable Connections that will often do this audit for free. Check it out. These insights will guide the next phase of upgrades.
Want to learn one way homes lose heat? Watch the below video.
A warm home is more comfortable, of course. But it’s also about overall health, energy resilience, and long-term value. When your home performs well, you feel the difference every day with nice temperatures, fresh air, and lower energy bills. Investing in efficiency today means living better all winter—and every season that follows. And now’s the time.
If you’d like to learn more about winterizing your home or exploring high-performance and Passive House solutions, reach out to our team at A1DesignBuild. We’d love to give you more tips on how to make your home cozy, efficient, and future-ready.
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