Colorado’s snowy winters are as cold as they are beautiful. And keeping a home warm can require certain maintenance tasks and improvement projects to be tackled. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time owner, you may wonder what ventures also maximize energy efficiency and secure a great return on investment.
Three major home winterization upgrades to consider include:
- Add Insulation to Your Attic
- Update Your Home’s Old Windows
- Replace an Inefficient Furnace
If you’re an Xcel Energy customer and use an approved contractor to perform a Home Energy Audit, you can have an expert inspect your windows, doors, insulation, mechanical systems and more. That way, you’ll know exactly what to focus on first. Xcel’s program then provides a rebate on a portion of the audit cost.
Speaking of rebates, don’t forget to check the Energy Star website for even more rebates and offers that might be available when you upgrade your home using certified products.
Of course, before taking on major upgrades, make sure your home winterization checklist is complete. For example, your fireplace should be inspected and serviced annually to ensure energy efficiency, as well as prevent dangerous situations. Also, have your furnace (even a newer one) serviced and change filters monthly.
Now, let’s take a look at home upgrades for winter energy efficiency.
Add Insulation to Your Attic
Insulation creates a heat-resistant barrier within a home, keeping it warmer all winter long (and cooler come summer). Upgrading not only makes the home more comfortable, but it’s one of the best ways to make it energy efficient.
If you’re experiencing uneven temperatures and cold drafts, or your furnace seems to kick on frequently, it may be time to upgrade your insulation. You can also (carefully) inspect the attic yourself. Look for missing, uneven, or deteriorated insulation. You want it to be at or above the level of your floor joists.
Once you decide to move forward with an attic insulation project, keep in mind the R-value when selecting materials. This represents the resistance to heat flow. So, a higher R-value means better insulation. In Colorado, most homes fall into climate zones 5 or 6, requiring an R-value of at least R-49, up to R-60.
Common Types of Insulation
If it is indeed time to upgrade, you’ll first choose your insulation. Here are the most common types.
- Fiberglass Batts: This is often the most cost-effective option for attics and despite its lower R-value, it’s the most widely used type of insulation. The installation, while time-consuming, is straightforward as well. You can buy it in rolls for long runs or pre-cut sections that tuck between joists and studs. To achieve the optimal R-value, you may need to layer unfaced batts (insulation to insulation).
- Blown-In Insulation: Ideal for unusually shaped attics and hard-to-reach spaces, it’s made from fiberglass and an economical choice with a higher R-value than batts. You may even be able to rent a blower and DIY the upgrade. However, it creates a lot of dust, settles/shifts and deteriorates quicker, and is susceptible to mold. Recycled cellulose is another blown-in option that comes with a higher R-value, but it will likely cost more.
- Spray Foam: This provides the best R-value per inch but is more expensive. It’s ideal for irregularly shaped spaces, lasts for decades, and can even add stability to your home structure. A big factor in the cost is the need to hire a professional to handle the installation.
Cost & Value
The cost of insulating your attic will vary greatly, starting at around 50 cents per square foot for blown-in fiberglass. If you hire a company to handle install, get multiple bids. If you want to DIY the job, factor in the value of your own time. It might be worth the extra money to not be stuck in your attic for days on end.
Along with saving you money on heating your home, proper insulation can yield a 100% ROI* by enhancing energy efficiency, which is an attractive feature for prospective buyers.
*Source: NAR 2022 Remodeling Impact Report
Update Your Home’s Old Windows
Older windows are often poorly insulated, allowing cold air to seep through and increasing energy bills. Modern, energy-efficient windows reduce drafts and enhance insulation.
Choosing New Windows
If your windows have hit the 20-year mark or longer, it may be time to update. Here are key features to look for in replacement windows.
- Frame Material: Vinyl is cost-effective and offers good insulation, while fiberglass and wood offer better durability and insulation but come at a higher cost.
- Low-E Coatings: Look for windows with low-emissivity coatings, which reduce heat transfer. Windows with low-E glass can block up to 90% of heat loss through the glass.
- Gas-Filled Panes: Double-pane windows filled with argon gas provide ample insulation. You can also go with triple-pane and krypton gas for maximum efficiency—though it will be costly. Its value and ROI are also debatable, just don’t ask your window salesperson.
- U-Factor and SHGC: Opt for windows with a U-factor below 0.32 (the lower, the better), and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.40 or lower for Colorado’s cooler climate.
Cost & Value
Replacing windows can cost anywhere between $500–$1,200 per window, including the installation. This will vary based on the size, number, type of windows, and materials selected. Window upgrades generally yield an ROI starting at 63%* for wood windows and 67% for vinyl, both providing appeal to energy-conscious buyers who want a cozy and comfortable home and reduced heating costs.
*Source: NAR 2022 Remodeling Impact Report
Replace an Inefficient Furnace
If your furnace is 10-15 years old (or older), needs frequent repairs, and your winter utility bills seem to be higher than normal, it may be time to replace your furnace.
Older furnaces can have efficiency ratings as low as 70-80%, while modern high-efficiency models reach 90% or more. This improvement in efficiency reduces energy waste and lowers heating costs.
Choosing a New Furnace
Furnaces run on either electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane. So, start there to narrow your search.
- Efficiency Rating (AFUE): Look for a furnace with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of at least 90% or higher. High-efficiency furnaces often qualify for energy rebates.
- Two-Stage or Variable-Speed Models: While a single-stage furnace is the most affordable, these offer better energy efficiency and heat distribution by adjusting output based on the home’s needs.
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the furnace is sized correctly for your home. An HVAC professional can perform a load calculation to determine the proper size, as an oversized or undersized furnace can waste energy and fail to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Adding a Smart Thermostat
Adding this device can help you save on your energy bill, run your HVAC system more efficiently, as well as reduce wear and tear on your furnace. Smart thermostats also have the added bonus of convenience. You can set schedules or simply bump up temperatures from your phone on the way home from work. Common brands include Nest and Ecobee—just be sure to check compatibility with your system.
Cost & Value
A new furnace costs between $2,500–$11,000 installed, depending on the model and efficiency. Smart thermostats range from $150–$300 with potential rebates available from utility companies. As for ROI, various sources state that it’s in the 30-60% range with a smart thermostat enhancing market appeal.
Don’t Forget to Seal Air Leaks
Landing somewhere between an upgrade and general maintenance, sealing air leaks can be an extensive DIY project, especially if your home is older or the previous owner skimped on home upkeep. However, it’s a very important project if you own a home.
Even small gaps around your doors, windows and other areas allow warm air to escape and cold drafts to enter, greatly reducing energy efficiency and putting more strain on your heating system. The materials aren’t too expensive, and the work is pretty easy to complete, even for a novice DIYer.
You can likely identify most air leaks simply by looking for daylight or feeling for cold air coming through. Also look for gaps or cracks around door/window frames, sills, and thresholds. Don’t forget to check areas where outlets, switches, cable/phone lines, pipes, and ductwork pass through walls as well.
Once you’ve identified the leaks, it’s time for supplies. Caulking, door sweeps, spray foam, and weatherstripping materials will cost around $50–$150+ total, depending on the extent of the projects.
- V Strip (Tension Seal) – This durable plastic or metal strip springs open to fill gaps. It’s long-lasting and often used in double-hung and sliding window tracks, as well as the tops and sides of doors.
- Felt – Affordable yet requiring frequent replacement and vulnerable to moisture, you can buy felt rolls with an adhesive backing. It’s easy to install around around door jambs and window sashes.
- Foam Tape – Available in various formats (vinyl/foam, rubber/foam) this versatile option is great for the top and bottom of window sashes, door frames, attic hatches and inoperable windows.
- Tubular Gasket – Made of rubber, vinyl, or silicone, gaskets seal gaps around windows. It’s ideal for high-use areas like door bottoms and window sashes that require a durable, flexible seal.
- Door Sweeps – Available in aluminum or stainless steel with a brush of plastic, vinyl, sponge, or felt, sweeps help seal the bottom of exterior doors and the garage door (great if it’s not insulated).
- Caulking & Spray Foam – These are go-to's for sealing all kinds of gaps and cracks. Use waterproof silicone for exteriors and latex caulk inside. For large openings, foam expands to fill the space.
- Outlet and Switch Plate Insulators – These handy, foam backers are quick and easy to install, ideal for switches/outlets on exterior walls. For safety, remember to turn off the power when working.
Tips for Installation
Most supplies will have instructions. Just be sure to clean and dry surfaces, ensuring old gunk and debris are removed. Measure carefully and dry fit before making cuts or removing adhesive backings or driling. Then test everything out and adjust as needed to ensure smooth operation and a proper seal.
Final Thoughts on Winterizing Your Home
With the right combination of upgrades, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, lower heating costs, and create a cozy abode for winter. Start with high-impact projects like insulation and window replacements, and consider adding smaller touches like smart thermostats and insulated switch plates. When it’s time to sell your home, the work you put in can even help put more money in your pocket.
