Let’s face it – we don’t live in Sunny San Diego, nor are most of us lucky enough to escape to Florida for the entire winter. That being said, you spend a majority of your winter trying to keep your home warm and trying to keep heating costs as low as possible. It’s a losing battle, really, as in this part of the country you’re either going to freeze, or you’re going to faint from shock when you see your heating and electric bill. Luckily for you, we don’t think it’s fair that those are your only two options, so we’ve come up with 5 ways that we know are effective at both keeping your home warm and your heating costs low. Check them out below:
1.Your Water Heater
Believe it or not, but your water system can really make a difference in how much you spend each winter. Not only should you pay attention to the settings, but also, you should maintain your water heater for the most efficiency and savings.
Water Heater Installation:
The average water heater will last anywhere from 7 to 15 years, but if you don’t maintain it, its lifespan will be on the low end, and you could be looking at $800-$1200 every 7 years instead of every 15. So first thing’s first is start maintaining your water heater. For tips on proper water heater maintenance, check out _____.
Now, even if you maintain your water heater as best you can, it’s still going to break down on you eventually. When that time comes, it’s important that you replace it ASAP.
Average Cost to Replace A Water Heater:
For a typical 50-gallon tank, you’re looking at spending about $826. This 50-gallon tank will heat water for 5 people though, and includes the vent and pipe. The price ranges for other sizes include:
Tips:
A domestic water heater is either tanktype or tankless, and can either use gas or electricity as its main heat source. Typically, tanktype water heaters range from 30-50 gallons, and they require floor space to be installed. Typical domestic tankless water heaters are rated in gallons per minute (GPM), and range from 2-10 GPM range from 30-50 gallons. These are nice because they can be wall mounted, and can be installed in small spaces.
Should You Do It Yourself?
In the best-case scenario, you’re a very handy person and are DIY-capable. However, because a lot of issues can arise with water heaters, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional. Furthermore, a lot of home insurance companies require that water heaters be installed by a licensed and/or certified professional, so in many instances, you may not even have the option to install it yourself.
2.Install Energy Efficient Windows
Drafty windows can waste up to 30% of the energy that your home puts out, so replacing all of the old windows – while pricey up front – can save you a lot of money in the long run. And while there is no “one-size-fits-all” for windows, the best windows for colder climates are double-glazed and triple-glazed panes, preferably in a vinyl frame. Vinyl casement also provide easy ventilation when it’s warm out, so it’s a win/win for all seasons.
Average Cost to Replace Windows:
If you do it yourself, you’re looking at paying approximately $700 per window, while having an expert install them will run approximately $1,300 per window. The average cost is $943 per vinyl casement window replacement.
Tips:
As with most home improvement projects, the cost of your window replacement will all depend on the material you choose, the finish grade you hope to achieve, structural preparation, the current labor rate and whether or not you choose an installer in your area or choose to hire from out of town. Taxes and permit fees are not included, so you’ll want to take those into consideration as well. Before your contractor begins work on your windows, make sure that you know every last detail about the project, especially concerning the cost of any repairs or work needed to adapt the new window with the current opening.
Again, installing new windows can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget and are thinking about getting one window installed at a time, ask your contractor and window dealer about a unit price discount, as many dealers will be more than happy to work with you.
Should You Do It Yourself?
We would not recommend installing windows yourself, as window installation requires precise carpentry and a need to get the job done in a timely fashion.
3.Electric
Gas and electric bills are the first to rise during the winter, but let’s talk about electric for a moment. The reason your electric bill rises so much is due to several factors:
So, what can you do to combat those costs?
Well, in short, you need a more efficient electrical system.
Average Cost To Create A More Efficient Electrical System
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $202, but ranges anywhere from $76-$393.
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $153, but ranges anywhere from $27-$292.
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $179, but ranges anywhere from $53-$333.
Tips:
Electrical work is subject to several compliance codes and professional practices due to the hire risk factors involved in the work. Also, the cost to install an electric range circuit varies based on the power rating, circuit lengths, preparation, special requirements and the current labor rate.
Should You Do It Yourself?
We suggest only attempting to do the work yourself if you’re familiar with electrical work and the tools required for the job. You must also be familiar with all the necessary electrical codes.
4.Doors
Wood doors are nice, and the most popular type of front door for residences. However, when you live in a climate like ours – where there is wind, rain, snow and sleet – maintaining that wood door can get costly. And if you neglect to maintain it, it will rot. That being said, fiberglass and steel are the best door materials for this particular area.
Average Cost Of A Fiberglass/Steel Door
The average cost to replace your wood door with a fiberglass one is $679. However, it can be as low as $463, or as much as $1,537.
The average cost to replace your front door with an exterior steel door is $613, and can range anywhere from $397-$871.
Tips:
As with everything, the cost of installing a fiberglass or steel door all depends on the materials you choose, the finish grade you want, the size of the door and the structural changes/repairs needed to accommodate the door. Labor rate is also a fluctuating factor, and varies greatly from city to city. Before your contractor begins installation, make sure that you know every last detail about the project, especially concerning the cost of any repairs or work needed to adapt the new door with the current opening.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If the door you bought is the same exact size as the old door and there doesn’t need to be a ton of structural work done, then installing a fiberglass or steel door yourself can be fairly easy. However, if there is some structural work required, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we suggest hiring someone to install your door for you.
5.Insulation
Insulation is your home’s strongest form of protection against the cold, wind and chill, and what type of insulation your home has can mean the difference between a very high energy bill and a very low one. Furthermore, insulation keeps your house cooler during the summer, provides ventilation to control moisture and all around makes your home more livable.
Average Cost of Installing Insulation:
To get just your attic insulated properly, you’re looking at spending anywhere from $500 to $1000. You may pay a little more for higher-end insulation, such as earth-friendly chopped cellulose, but it protects against fire and insects, and retains its loft better than fiberglass insulation.
To insulate a whole home (average-sized family home) could range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, but typically falls between $2,500 to $5,500. Yes, it can get expensive, but a properly insulated home can save you as much as 30% of your monthly energy bill, which, for many families, means a return on investment in the first year!
Tips:
It’s important that you winterize your home before you insulate it, as there really is no point in insulating if there are cracks and gaps where cold air can get in.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If you are handy and feel comfortable installing insulation yourself, then I say go for it! Just be sure that you place the insulation in the right places throughout your home.
You don’t have to live in San Diego for your winters to be affordable. Just follow the five tips above, and you’ll start seeing the savings in no time.
If you need help getting any of these projects done before the real cold hits, contact our Office Manager, Christina, at 760-535-5731, or email [email protected] to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE today!
1.Your Water Heater
Believe it or not, but your water system can really make a difference in how much you spend each winter. Not only should you pay attention to the settings, but also, you should maintain your water heater for the most efficiency and savings.
Water Heater Installation:
The average water heater will last anywhere from 7 to 15 years, but if you don’t maintain it, its lifespan will be on the low end, and you could be looking at $800-$1200 every 7 years instead of every 15. So first thing’s first is start maintaining your water heater. For tips on proper water heater maintenance, check out _____.
Now, even if you maintain your water heater as best you can, it’s still going to break down on you eventually. When that time comes, it’s important that you replace it ASAP.
Average Cost to Replace A Water Heater:
For a typical 50-gallon tank, you’re looking at spending about $826. This 50-gallon tank will heat water for 5 people though, and includes the vent and pipe. The price ranges for other sizes include:
- $639 for an electric water heater with a 40-gallon tank, typically used for a 4-person home
- $1,077 for a gas tankless water heater, 6.4 GPM
Tips:
A domestic water heater is either tanktype or tankless, and can either use gas or electricity as its main heat source. Typically, tanktype water heaters range from 30-50 gallons, and they require floor space to be installed. Typical domestic tankless water heaters are rated in gallons per minute (GPM), and range from 2-10 GPM range from 30-50 gallons. These are nice because they can be wall mounted, and can be installed in small spaces.
Should You Do It Yourself?
In the best-case scenario, you’re a very handy person and are DIY-capable. However, because a lot of issues can arise with water heaters, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional. Furthermore, a lot of home insurance companies require that water heaters be installed by a licensed and/or certified professional, so in many instances, you may not even have the option to install it yourself.
2.Install Energy Efficient Windows
Drafty windows can waste up to 30% of the energy that your home puts out, so replacing all of the old windows – while pricey up front – can save you a lot of money in the long run. And while there is no “one-size-fits-all” for windows, the best windows for colder climates are double-glazed and triple-glazed panes, preferably in a vinyl frame. Vinyl casement also provide easy ventilation when it’s warm out, so it’s a win/win for all seasons.
Average Cost to Replace Windows:
If you do it yourself, you’re looking at paying approximately $700 per window, while having an expert install them will run approximately $1,300 per window. The average cost is $943 per vinyl casement window replacement.
Tips:
As with most home improvement projects, the cost of your window replacement will all depend on the material you choose, the finish grade you hope to achieve, structural preparation, the current labor rate and whether or not you choose an installer in your area or choose to hire from out of town. Taxes and permit fees are not included, so you’ll want to take those into consideration as well. Before your contractor begins work on your windows, make sure that you know every last detail about the project, especially concerning the cost of any repairs or work needed to adapt the new window with the current opening.
Again, installing new windows can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget and are thinking about getting one window installed at a time, ask your contractor and window dealer about a unit price discount, as many dealers will be more than happy to work with you.
Should You Do It Yourself?
We would not recommend installing windows yourself, as window installation requires precise carpentry and a need to get the job done in a timely fashion.
3.Electric
Gas and electric bills are the first to rise during the winter, but let’s talk about electric for a moment. The reason your electric bill rises so much is due to several factors:
- Lights stay on longer because of longer nights and shorter days;
- People tend to use extra hot water for your baths, showers, washing your hands, etc.;
- Because of the cold weather, people tend to do more indoor activities, such as use the computer, watch TV, play video games, etc.;
- And last but not least, people stop hanging their clothes out to dry during the winter and start using their dryer again.
So, what can you do to combat those costs?
Well, in short, you need a more efficient electrical system.
Average Cost To Create A More Efficient Electrical System
- Electric Range Circuit
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $202, but ranges anywhere from $76-$393.
- Electric Outlet Circuit
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $153, but ranges anywhere from $27-$292.
- Electric Dryer Circuit
For a 30-foot circuit of exposed cable, the average cost is $179, but ranges anywhere from $53-$333.
Tips:
Electrical work is subject to several compliance codes and professional practices due to the hire risk factors involved in the work. Also, the cost to install an electric range circuit varies based on the power rating, circuit lengths, preparation, special requirements and the current labor rate.
Should You Do It Yourself?
We suggest only attempting to do the work yourself if you’re familiar with electrical work and the tools required for the job. You must also be familiar with all the necessary electrical codes.
4.Doors
Wood doors are nice, and the most popular type of front door for residences. However, when you live in a climate like ours – where there is wind, rain, snow and sleet – maintaining that wood door can get costly. And if you neglect to maintain it, it will rot. That being said, fiberglass and steel are the best door materials for this particular area.
Average Cost Of A Fiberglass/Steel Door
The average cost to replace your wood door with a fiberglass one is $679. However, it can be as low as $463, or as much as $1,537.
The average cost to replace your front door with an exterior steel door is $613, and can range anywhere from $397-$871.
Tips:
As with everything, the cost of installing a fiberglass or steel door all depends on the materials you choose, the finish grade you want, the size of the door and the structural changes/repairs needed to accommodate the door. Labor rate is also a fluctuating factor, and varies greatly from city to city. Before your contractor begins installation, make sure that you know every last detail about the project, especially concerning the cost of any repairs or work needed to adapt the new door with the current opening.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If the door you bought is the same exact size as the old door and there doesn’t need to be a ton of structural work done, then installing a fiberglass or steel door yourself can be fairly easy. However, if there is some structural work required, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we suggest hiring someone to install your door for you.
5.Insulation
Insulation is your home’s strongest form of protection against the cold, wind and chill, and what type of insulation your home has can mean the difference between a very high energy bill and a very low one. Furthermore, insulation keeps your house cooler during the summer, provides ventilation to control moisture and all around makes your home more livable.
Average Cost of Installing Insulation:
To get just your attic insulated properly, you’re looking at spending anywhere from $500 to $1000. You may pay a little more for higher-end insulation, such as earth-friendly chopped cellulose, but it protects against fire and insects, and retains its loft better than fiberglass insulation.
To insulate a whole home (average-sized family home) could range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, but typically falls between $2,500 to $5,500. Yes, it can get expensive, but a properly insulated home can save you as much as 30% of your monthly energy bill, which, for many families, means a return on investment in the first year!
Tips:
It’s important that you winterize your home before you insulate it, as there really is no point in insulating if there are cracks and gaps where cold air can get in.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If you are handy and feel comfortable installing insulation yourself, then I say go for it! Just be sure that you place the insulation in the right places throughout your home.
You don’t have to live in San Diego for your winters to be affordable. Just follow the five tips above, and you’ll start seeing the savings in no time.
If you need help getting any of these projects done before the real cold hits, contact our Office Manager, Christina, at 760-535-5731, or email [email protected] to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE today!