Your Minneapolis home winterization how-to guide

Is your house feeling drafty? Could your energy bills be a little lower? Are you considering a furnace upgrade? If so, you’ve landed on the right page. Home winterization can save you hundreds in utility bills each year, potentially increasing the value of your home and making your home a lot more comfortable. Plus, there are also new tax incentives that make upgrading easier. While we’re all accustomed to winter weather, none of us will say no to being a little toastier. 

Step 1: Give your furnace some TLC 

Make sure your furnace is ready to put in the hours during the frosty temps in Minneapolis and St. Paul.  

• Schedule a tune-up: Get your furnace inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician before the cold weather hits. Technicians can spot potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.   

• Change your filters: Inspect your filters monthly during the winter. Dirty filters make your furnace work harder, which means higher energy bills. Ensure you use the correct filter size and type for your furnace. Check your owner’s manual or ask your HVAC technician for guidance.   

• Consider a programmable thermostat: Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, saving you money when you’re away or asleep.  

Step 2: Know your tax incentives 

You’ll most likely create a cost sheet in your head as you go through this list. So, it’s important to know that there are more tax incentives than ever to help you make energy efficient improvements. This includes rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act for our wintry state: 

• The Home Efficiency Rebate program (HOMES) will provide rebates from $2,000 to $8,000 or more per home depending on the energy savings, household income and can be used for heat pump or HVAC upgrades. Heat pump technology for cold climates has improved dramatically and Minnesotans can expect significant energy savings.  

• The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program (HEAR) provides rebates to replace non-electric appliances with modern electric version for eligible low- to moderate-income households. Rebates can range between $840 to $2,500 for items like heat pumps, water heaters, stoves, cooktops, clothes dryers, insulation, air sealing and more.  

Make sure you talk to your contractor to ensure all upgrades qualify.  

Step 3: Seal those drafts  

Just like a coat with holes won’t keep you very warm, a drafty house will let precious heat escape—which means higher energy bills. To mend those drafts, head over to your local hardware store and grab a tube of caulk and some weatherstripping. Then follow our list to become a home-sealing superhero.   

• Windows: Carefully inspect the frames for any cracks or gaps. Apply caulk to seal up those openings and add weatherstripping around the edges for extra protection.   

• Doors: The biggest culprit is usually the gap at the bottom of the door. Installing door sweeps can block out the chilly air.   

• Hidden Trouble Spots: Drafts can lurk in unexpected places, so be thorough. Check around electrical outlets and light switches, places where pipes or wires enter your home, and attic hatches or basement doors.  

Step 4: Prevent frozen pipes  

Pipes that are exposed to artic temperatures can freeze, expand and burst. It’s a headache that can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance.   

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls. You can find pipe insulation sleeves at most hardware stores. For particularly vulnerable pipes, consider using heat tape. This electric heating element wraps around the pipe and provides extra warmth.  

• Let faucets drip: During extremely cold weather, allow a slow drip of water from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing. This helps keep the water moving in the pipes, making it harder for ice to form.  

• Find the shut-off valve: In the unfortunate event that a pipe does freeze, you need to act fast! Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve can save you from a major flooding disaster. Once you locate the shut-off valve, test it and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it.  

Step 5: Learn about financing options 

With home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, you can use the equity of your home to help finance winterization projects and energy efficient improvements. 

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – A HELOC is an ongoing line of credit, similar to a credit card. Instead of a fixed-cost loan, expenses can be made frequently up to your credit limit. If you value flexibility, a HELOC could be right for you.  

Home Equity Loan (HELOAN) – If you’re the type of person who likes consistent monthly payments, and you’re a planner, then a HELOAN could be a good choice. We offer fixed-rate terms from 12 to 180 months.

Step 6: Invest in energy efficiency  

Want to save money on your energy bills year after year and maybe even increase the value of your home? Then, it’s time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades. Consider these more significant home improvement projects:   

• Upgrade your windows: Old, drafty windows are a major source of heat loss. Replacing them with energy-efficient models can make a big difference. ENERGY STAR certified windows meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. They can help you save anywhere from 7% to 15% on your heating and cooling costs.   

• Level up your home’s insulation: Older homes may lack proper insulation. Adding insulation to your attic or walls can significantly improve its energy efficiency. For attics, you can choose from various types of insulation, including blown-in, batts and rolls. Wall insulation can be more involved, but it’s worth the investment, especially if your home is older.   

• Install solar panels: Harness the sun’s power to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources. Installing solar panels on your roof allows you to generate your own electricity, saving you money on your electric bill. While the upfront cost of solar panels can be significant, you’ll see savings on your energy bills for years to come.   

Step 7: Find rebates from your energy provider 

Utility companies in Minneapolis and St. Paul offer numerous rebates for winterization projects, as well as cost-efficient upgrades for appliances throughout the house. With rebates, tax incentives and financing options from American National Bank, you have all the tools needed to make your home comfy and cost-efficient.  

• Xcel Energy 

• CenterPoint Energy 

Step 8: Get winter storm essentials.  

Preparation provides peace of mind. By being ready for the unknown, a major storm will feel less like a surprise and more like something you’re ready for. Your checklist needs to include candles, batteries, a battery powered radio and winter clothing. Then store everything neatly in an easy-to-access place.