According to the Climate Prediction Center, there are several parts of the country that are going to be seeing some heavy snowfall and extreme cold this winter. The southwest and New England will be particularly hard hit this year, but the country as a whole should expect to see more cold and snow than last year.
All of this winter weather means that you’re probably spending more time indoors. So while you’re in there, take the time to tackle a few home improvement projects that can help your home better weather the storms. These home improvement projects will help you protect your home from the elements, and at under $1,000 apiece, you don’t have to break the bank to do so.
Heating
Keeping warm in the winter time is a high priority for most people. You don’t want to find yourself out in the cold if one of your heating appliances goes out suddenly during a cold snap. Paying attention to your heating systems now, and making sure that they’re in good repair, can save you a lot of headaches later.
1. Furnace Repair
Your furnace has an important job, making sure that you and your family stay warm and safe this winter. If your furnace was to stop working, you could find yourself with an emergency on your hands, so take the time now to make sure your furnace is in good working order, and have any maintenance done that you may have been putting off. Replacing the heat exchanger is one of the most common fixes that furnaces will need to help keep them running smoothly.
Cost:
The average cost of replacing the heat exchanger on most furnaces ranges from $1,000 to $1,700, with the cost of the exchanger at around $500 and the cost of labor ranging from $85 to $95 an hour and it taking roughly 6 to 8 hours to repair.
Tips and Considerations:
If your furnace is more than 10 years old, you may be better off replacing it with a new one. Not only will it help ensure you get through the winter safely, it will also help keep your utility bills lower, as most newer furnaces are more energy efficient.
Cracked heat exchangers can leak carbon monoxide into your home, so it’s a good idea to get your checked or replaced if you have concerns.
If your furnace is still under warranty, you may be able to have the exchanger repaired or replaced by the manufacturer. Refer to your owner’s manual for more details.
Can you DIY?
Replacing the heat exchanger is generally not advised for DIY because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and the need to properly vent the furnace.
2. Install an Electric Fireplace
Fireplaces are not only a great way to add some additional warmth to your home, they’re also a great way to add comfort and ambiance as well. If you don’t have a chimney to vent through, you can still enjoy the warmth and gathering point of a fire by installing an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are energy efficient, and can add a lot of additional warmth to any room of your home, helping you to fend off those dark, cold nights.
Cost:
The average cost of installing a new electric fireplace is around $300 for a plug in unit.
Costs range from:
- $150 for an electric log.
- $1,000 for a built-in unit.
Tips and Considerations:
- Electric fireplaces cost between 7 and 13 cents an hour to run, compared to 20 cents an hour for gas fireplaces, making them an energy efficient option.
- Many electric fireplaces have an option for turning off the heat and using the unit for ambiance only.
- Electric fireplaces can be installed in any home, and require little to no maintenance to run.
Can you DIY?
Plug in units require no installation and can be set up right out of the box by the homeowner. Built in units do require some carpentry skills and tools to create a surround. DIY may be possible for an experienced homeowner.
Thermostat
Your thermostat is an important, integral part of your home’s heating system. It helps regulate your furnace, and can even help save you money when programmed to automatically shut off when you’re not at home. Newer thermostats can be programmed for individual times of day, and days of the week, and some can even learn your schedule, updating automatically so that you don’t have to pay attention. Over time, this can result in not only a more comfortable home, but a significant savings on your energy costs as well.
3. Installing a Thermostat
Installing a new thermostat can help you keep your home more comfortable this winter, while saving on your energy bill. Newer thermostats can help your furnace stay within a set range of temperatures more accurately, keeping your home toasty warm no matter how cold it gets outside.
Cost:
The average cost to install a new thermostat ranges from $200 to $250 for the thermostat and labor. The total range in cost is between $50 for a manual thermostat with DIY installation to $700 for an electronic thermostat plus labor. The cost of the thermostat itself, as well as where it is installed will likely drive most of the cost, while labor will account for roughly $65 to $85 an hour.
Tips and Considerations:
- Thermostats installed directly on the unit are the least expensive options, but are often less accurate than in-wall thermostats.
- Some electronic thermostats will break your home into zones, controlling the heat to different parts of the house individually. These are more costly to purchase and install, but can save you more money on utility bills later on.
- Newer thermostats, like the Nest, can be controlled through an app on your Smartphone, allowing you to update the temperature of your home while you’re away.
- Some wireless thermostats can be programmed from a remote, but this will add roughly $200 to the cost of the unit.
Can you DIY?
Most manual thermostats can be easily installed by the homeowner. Some electronic versions may be able to be installed by an experienced homeowner who has electrical experience and the proper tools.
Insulation
Many older homes are under insulated, meaning that you could be losing a lot of the heat and energy you use each winter. Adding additional insulation to your home can help make it more comfortable year round, while also lowering your energy bills this winter.
4. Attic Insulation
Attic insulation helps to stop the transfer of heat and sound from the rest of your home. Having sufficient insulation can help ensure that your roof does not develop dangerous ice dams, and helps keep your home more comfortable, because you’ll be losing less heat. Even if your attic is already insulated, it may not be enough. Insulation also breaks down over time, and can be moved or disturbed by workmen or rodents, so it makes sense to update it before the winter months set in.
Cost:
The average cost of adding attic insulation to your home is $897 for 1,500 square feet of blown-in cellulose insulation at R-19.
Costs range from:
- $617 for DIY roll-in insulation at R-13 assuming 1,500 square feet.
- $1,501 for roll-in fiberglass insulation at R-19 assuming 1,500 square feet.
Tips and Considerations:
- The higher the R-value of the insulation, the better job it will do warming your home. R-13 is suitable for moderate climates, but R-19 is recommended for more severe climates, and it can still be used in more temperate areas as well.
- The ultimate cost of your insulation will depend on the type, installation method, and area you live in.
- There may be energy rebates available for adding insulation to your home.
Can you DIY?
DIY is entirely possible for an able-bodied homeowner.
Windows
Windows are a major part of your home. They let in the sun, but could also be letting in the wind and cold if they aren’t properly insulated. At the same time, windows without shades could also be letting in more than just light; they could be allowing people outside to see in during those dark evenings.
5. Installing New Window Shades
Window shades can help insulate your windows better against drafts, keeping the heat inside where it belongs. They can also provide you more privacy on those cold winter nights, when the light indoors makes it easier for those outside to see in. Honeycomb shades can not only provide this insulation and privacy, they can also help update your home’s appearance as well.
Cost:
The average cost of installing new honeycomb window shades on 8 windows is around $550 to $600.
Costs range from:
$250 to $400 for roller shades to $650 for Roman shades. These assume a 27-inch window, with a labor cost of between $10 and $20 per window.
Tips and Considerations:
- Shades that have a continuous cord are easier to use and less likely to become tangled, but can raise the price by about $15 per window.
- Some window shade providers will offer a discount on multiple purchases or installations at once.
- Shades are available that can be adjusted from the top or the bottom, but these can add an additional 20% onto your total costs.
- Unique windows may require custom shades, which can increase the costs of the installation.
Can you DIY?
DIY is possible for most homeowners and may require only a few basic tools for standard sized windows.
Roofing
Your roof is the most important part of your home. It protects you and your belongings from the elements, which during the winter can be extremely important. A roof in good condition can help you keep the snow and cold outside where it belongs.
6. Repair Roof Leaks
If your roof is leaking, the last thing you want is to go into winter without getting it fixed. A leaking roof can lead to water damage and black mold growing in your home. It can also lead to the need for a full roof repair, which is a lot more costly than simply fixing some leaks. Ice dams and snow can also makes leaks worse, making now the ideal time to get your roof back into good shape.
Cost:
The average cost for repairing a 10×10-foot area of your roof is around $600. This includes replacing the shingles, plywood, and flashing in the area where the leak occurred.
Costs can range from:
- $500 for shingle repair only.
- $1750 for more extensive repairs and roof sealing.
Tips and Considerations:
- When replacing the shingles on a small area of roof, keep in mind that it may be hard to get a perfect match in color, which could mean that the repaired area stands out from the rest of the roof. Keeping extra shingles on hand for future repairs helps to minimize this risk.
- Applying a roof sealant can help to prevent leaks in the future. This can add a total for $850 to $1,000 to your cost for the repair.
- Supplies needed for the job may include galvanized nails, shingles, plywood, flashing, or roof cement, all of which may affect the final cost of the repair.
Can you DIY?
If you are able to safely and comfortably access your roof, this job may be suitable for experienced homeowners. If the roof leaks are widespread, however, or if there are already two layers of shingles on the roof, you may need to hire a professional.
Painting
With all of the time that you spend indoors, it makes sense that you’ll want your interiors to look as good as possible. That makes now the perfect time to give a new coat of paint to the rooms of your home.
7. Repainting a Room
With the lower humidity levels of winter, repainting a room at this time of year can not only breathe new life into your home, it can also help the paint dry faster. This means you’ll spend less time waiting to apply the second coat, and more time enjoying your fresh new paint job.
Cost:
The average cost of repainting a room is $378 for a 200 square foot space.
Costs range from:
- $162 for a 200 square foot room painted DIY.
- $459 for a 200 square foot room given a second coat of paint.
Tips and Considerations:
- Preparation for painting may include scraping, sanding, patching, taping, and protecting other surfaces from the paint.
- Repainting a room generally takes less paint and is faster than the initial painting of a space.
- Darker paint colors may require a tinted primer or a second coat of paint.
Can you DIY?
DIY is a possibility for most homeowners in this case.
Flooring
Your flooring can take a beating during winter. The sand, salt, and debris tracked in by snowy boots can really takes it toll on your floors. That’s why it helps to protect them by having them taken care of prior to winter’s start.
8. Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning your carpet can help protect it from further wear and tear. It can also help to remove stains that can update the whole room. Since you’ll be spending more time inside this winter, it makes sense that you’ll want it to look as good as possible.
Cost:
The average cost of cleaning your carpets is around $60 for a 12’ x 18’ carpet.
Costs range from:
- $50 for a DIY cleaning.
- $100 for cleaning plus stain removal.
Tips and Considerations:
- A professional cleaning may cost more, but can help to save wear and tear on your carpet, which can help it to last longer.
- Prices listed assume steam cleaning or carbonated cleaning. Dry foam cleaning is 10 to 20% cheaper, but may be less effective. Shampooing is as effective, but can cost about $30 more per room and takes longer to dry.
- Some carpet cleaning companies offer a discount if you move the furniture out of the room prior to their arrival.
- Some carpet cleaners also offer discounts if you are having all of the rooms in your home done at once.
Can you DIY?
DIY is possible using any of the cleaning methods. Carpet cleaners are available for rent at a cost of between $50 and $100 per day for up to three days.
9. Refinishing Hardwood Floors
During the winter months, a lot of things that can harm your floor get tracked inside. Salt, sand, and snow can all ruin the finish on your hardwood. Over time, the lack of protective finish can lead to damage to the wood itself, with swelling, scratches, and gouges in the surface. Refinishing your floors can help protect them by putting on a protective top coat that can help them withstand the winter debris. Refinishing your hardwood floors can be done a number of different ways from using wax to applying acrylic impregnators. Regardless of what type of product you use, it’s important to protect your floors from everything winter can throw at them.
Cost:
The average cost for refinishing a hardwood floor is around $2.80 per square foot and includes the sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers
Costs range from:
- $ 2.50 per square foot – including sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers
- $ 3.50 per square foot – including sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers
Tips and Considerations:
- Refinish your hardwood floors regularly to extend their life.
- Solid hardwood floors can be refinished an infinite number of times; engineered wood floors can only be refinished four to five times total.
- The cost of refinishing hardwood floors varies greatly from region to region.
Can you DIY?
This may be suitable for an able DIY person.
Electricity
During the winter months, your energy bills, including your electricity rise. This is due to several factors including:
- Lights being left on longer due to the shorter days.
- Additional hot water being used for showers and baths.
- Additional electronic equipment use, such as televisions, games, and computers due to the need to stay indoors.
- Drying more clothes indoors.
10. Electric Circuit Install
A more efficient electric system can help you lower those energy bills during the winter, even when you’re using more energy.
Cost:
- For Electric Range Circuit
The average cost for a 30-foot exposed cable is around $202.
Costs range from:
- $76 for a 30-foot circuit, exposed cable installed DIY.
- $393 for a 30-foot circuit, outdoor cable with conduit upgrade.
- For Electric Outlet Circuit
The average cost for a 30-foot exposed cable is around $153.
Costs range from:
- $27 for a 30-foot circuit, exposed cable with DIY installation
- $292 for a 30-foot circuit, outdoor cable with conduit upgrade
- For Electric Dryer Circuit
The average cost for a 30-foot circuit with exposed cable is around $179.
Costs range from:
- $53 for a 30-foot circuit with exposed cable and DIY installation.
- $333 for a 30-foot circuit that is outdoors with conduit upgrade.
Tips and Considerations:
- Electric range circuits are responsible for bringing power to the electrical equipment indoors. They are subject to compliance codes, which are designed to reduce the risk of fire.
- The cost of installing an average electric range circuit, electric outlet circuit or electric dryer circuit depends upon several different factors such as power rating, length of circuit, necessary preparation, special requirements, and current labor rates in your area.
Can you DIY?
- Whenever you are working with electricity, turn off the circuit breaker before you begin.
- This project is somewhat suitable for DIY with electrical experience and the proper tools.
- Electrical circuits and their installation must comply with local electric and fire codes to reduce the risk of fire.
