Energy Expert: This One Move In Summer Could Cut Your Winter Heating Bills in Half

The timing of this home improvement project makes all the difference

Key Points:

• Energy expert reveals one simple action homeowners can take this summer to reduce winter heating bills dramatically
• Expert explains why sealing gaps around windows, doors, and attics prevents energy waste and improves year-round comfort
• Energy company owner says summer weatherproofing projects are cheaper and easier than winter fixes

With energy costs hitting household budgets hard, Americans across the country may already be dreading their winter heating bills. While most people begin thinking about energy efficiency as the cold weather arrives, one expert says the best time to prepare is actually right now.

“Summer is the perfect time to tackle weatherproofing projects,” says Corey Gilgan, Owner of Oregon Generators, a company specializing in generator installation and electrical solutions. “The weather’s nice, contractors are available, and you’re not rushing to fix problems while you’re already freezing.”

The solution Gilgan recommends might surprise homeowners with its simplicity, but he says the impact on winter energy bills can be substantial. By taking action now, families can set themselves up for significant savings when heating season arrives.

The ONE Thing That Makes All The Difference

The secret weapon against high winter heating bills? Sealing air leaks around your home. It sounds basic, but Gilgan says most homeowners have no idea how much money is literally escaping through tiny gaps and cracks.

“People focus on big-ticket items like new furnaces or solar panels, but they’re missing the most cost-effective fix,” explains Gilgan. “Air leaks can account for 25-30% of your heating and cooling costs. That’s like throwing money out the window.”

Why Summer Sealing Makes Perfect Sense

It’s common for homeowners to assume insulation and sealing make homes hotter in summer, but that’s backwards thinking. Proper sealing works both ways – it keeps cool air in during summer and warm air in during winter.

“A well-sealed home stays comfortable year-round,” Gilgan notes. “Your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard in summer, and your heating system gets a break in winter. It’s a win-win situation.”

Summer also offers practical advantages for these projects. Weather conditions are ideal, materials are easier to handle, and you can spot problem areas more easily when you’re not bundled up in winter gear.

Target These Problem Areas First

Not all air leaks are created equal. Gilgan recommends focusing on these high-impact zones:

• Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around frames and replace worn weatherstripping. “Even a small gap around a door is like leaving a window cracked open all winter,” Gilgan says.
• Attic Spaces: This is where most energy escapes. Look for gaps around pipes, electrical boxes, and access points where warm air rises and exits your home.
• Wall Cracks: Small cracks around outlets, baseboards, and where different materials meet can add up to significant energy loss.
• Foundation Areas: Don’t forget basement and crawl space gaps where cold air enters from below.

The Benefits Go Beyond Lower Bills

Sealing air leaks delivers multiple advantages that extend well past energy savings. Your HVAC system won’t strain as hard, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing repair costs.

“When your heating and cooling systems aren’t working overtime, they last longer and run more efficiently,” Gilgan explains. “Plus, you’ll notice more consistent temperatures throughout your home.”

The environmental benefits are equally important. Reduced energy consumption means a smaller carbon footprint, which makes this one of the most eco-friendly home improvements available.

Four Steps You Can Take This Weekend

Ready to get started? Gilgan breaks down the process into manageable steps:

1. Conduct a Visual Inspection: Walk around your home on a windy day and feel for air movement around windows, doors, and outlets. Use a lit candle or incense stick – the flame will flicker near air leaks.

2. Seal Small Gaps: Use caulk for stationary cracks around windows and baseboards. Apply weatherstripping to moving parts like doors and operable windows.

3. Address Attic Issues: Check your attic for obvious gaps and use spray foam or caulk to seal around pipes, vents, and electrical penetrations.

4. Consider Professional Help: For larger projects or hard-to-reach areas, bring in professionals who can identify problems you might miss.

“The beauty of this approach is that homeowners can handle many of these fixes themselves,” says Gilgan. “You don’t need special skills or expensive tools for basic sealing projects.”

Corey Gilgan, Owner of Oregon Generators, commented:

“The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to summer weatherproofing. Homeowners who seal their homes properly can see 10-20% reductions in their energy bills, which translates to hundreds of dollars in savings over a heating season. Summer is the smart time to do this work not only because of the weather, but also the cost savings. Contractors tend to be less busy, materials are readily available, and you’re not paying emergency rates to fix problems when it’s already cold outside.

“I’ve seen families who spent a few hundred dollars on sealing projects in July and saved over a thousand dollars on their winter heating bills. The return on investment is immediate and continues year after year. Plus, when you’re not losing conditioned air through gaps and cracks, your backup generator doesn’t have to work as hard during power outages either.”

About Oregon Generators

Oregon Generators offers services in the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial generators. They specialize in generator installation, EV charging setups, and electrical panel upgrades. The company is renowned for using Generac and Kohler generators, ensuring reliable power during outages. Their team is certified and highly trained to provide effective solutions. Oregon Generators also serves the greater Portland area and is recognized for its exceptional customer service and commitment to quality work.