Spring is more than a change from the chill of winter to warmer temperatures. It also provides homeowners a chance to change the look of their home and make it more energy efficient.
And the right thermostat, according to Jamaal Whiteside, a sales associate at Lowe”s in Columbus, can make a big difference.
“It is best to leave your thermostat at 65-70 degrees in the daytime when you”re not at home. With the weather getting warmer now, the thermostat doesn”t need to be on very high,” he said.
Thermostats are designed to work with specific heating and cooling systems, making it essential for homeowners to know their systems so they do not buy the wrong thermostat.
While Lowe”s carries many name-brand products, the best-selling thermostat is made by Honeywell, Whiteside said.
“Honeywell is the choice for contractors as well as homeowners and has been a longtime staple in the home-improvement business. A homeowner should also make sure they have a thermostat that works best for them and their home,” he said.
Preferable types of thermostats are programmable ones, which automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day.
The digital and mechanical models are also available.
Air filters, purifiers and vinyl
With the arrival of spring, Whiteside said it is also good to change the air filters in your heating and cooling systems.
“Having a good air purifier will also help in getting rid of pollen that is throughout the air when spring comes,” he said.
An air purifier also helps protect the home against germs and bacteria along with other contaminants, Whiteside added.
The purchase of new vinyl windows can help breathe new spring life into your home; plus, it is helpful in other ways than just making the home look better.
“Vinyl windows are leakproof, and they cut down on sweating of windows, which causes condensation to leak onto the floors,” Whiteside said. “This leakproof system works whether it is 30 below or warmer.”
Among the top-selling name brand of vinyl windows is Pella, Whiteside said.
Going green
With concerns about homes becoming energy efficient and compatible to the environment, Whiteside said using Pella brand windows meets those needs.
“They offer a lifetime warranty and are guaranteed to be around longer than you plan to have the house. They can cut your energy costs up to 15 percent, saving the homeowner an average of $125 to $450 a year on energy costs,” he said.
Not only will changing your windows bring energy costs down, changing your doors can do the same.
Installing a fiberglass door is the way to go to cut down on utility bills.
Whiteside suggests the Therma-Tru brand of fiberglass doors.
“They are resistant to rot and has tempered safety glass for added strength,” he said.
Other key features of this brand of fiberglass door includes tempered safety glass to add strength and protect decorative glass, and compressive weather-strip, which seals entry against moisture and air infiltration.
“It also has composite top and bottom end rails, which won”t rot or warp. The door sweep provides a tight seal at the bottom of the door,” Whiteside said.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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