The warmer months may get all the attention from DIYers, but there are plenty of projects you can complete over the winter.  Whether your goal is to increase energy efficiency, get a jump start on spring, or cross a project or two off your list, there’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of the time spent indoors to get a few things accomplished.

Here are a few common winter projects that you could have completed before summer!

For the DIYer concerned about energy efficiency:

With cold NEPA weather right outside your door, it’s no surprise that winter is the #1 time of year when property owners think about energy efficiency.  While larger projects like upgrading to better insulated windows may be a summer project, there are many things you can complete right now to improve energy efficiency and prevent issues like frozen pipes!

• Change the furnace filter – Did you know that your furnace runs more efficiently with a clean filter? Well, it does, and that also means it’s more energy efficient, costs less to operate, and may need service less frequently.  Alternatively, or in cases where you may not have had your furnace serviced recently, you may also want to have it serviced by a professional.
• Insulate your water pipes – Not only will this help prevent your pipes from freezing, but you may find that they don’t take quite as long to warm up reducing your overall water usage.
• Fix running faucets and toilets – A running faucet can waste as much as 3,000 gallons per year. A relatively simple DIY project like replacing the faucet cartridge or your toilet flush valve could save you a significant amount of money each year.

DIY projects getting ready for spring:

It may not feel like it, but spring will be here before we know it, so now’s your chance to get a few projects out of the way so that you can start spring off right.  Completing just a few small projects now can mean less for you to do in a couple of months!

• Thoroughly clean your carpets – Dust in your carpets will be kicked up in the air when your heating system is running, so cleaning your carpets thoroughly doesn’t just get a jump start on your spring cleaning, but it reduces the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do through the winter!
• Clear out and organize – This is a great time to clean out and organize your kitchen cabinets, fridge, or bathroom supplies. Not only does this mean you won’t have to do it in the spring, when you’re busy with other projects, but it’ll be easier to stay organized because you don’t feel so rushed.
• Clean out closets – Your closets are probably full of things that you no longer want or need, including clothes that no longer fit, shoes that have seen better days, and things you’ve put in storage that you never seem to need. Now is the perfect time to go through closets and get rid of all of those items so that you only have what you need come spring!

Home projects you can DIY:

Winter is the perfect time to complete some of those indoor projects that you’ve been meaning to complete but just haven’t gotten around to yet.  You don’t only get to cross a project off your list, but may actually save some money as many materials often go on sale during the winter.

• Paint a room or two – A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference.
• Upgrade flooring – Have you wanted to replace carpeting or upgrade to wood or tile? Now is the perfect time to do that!
• Replace light fixtures – Does your lighting need an upgrade? If so, winter is a great time to swap your lighting out for something fresh and new.
• Refresh a room – Do you dream of a more organized laundry room? Have you wanted to redo a bedroom but haven’t had a chance yet?  Now is the perfect time to redo a room to make it more functional and inviting!

We hope everyone has a great winter and are able to cross a few home projects off your list!  We think you’ll agree that winter is a great time of year for a DIYer!

As always, if you come across something during your remodel that you can’t handle on your own, please don’t hesitate to Contact Your Local Disaster Blaster.  We’re always happy to help!

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