Cold weather is on its way, and preparing your home now can improve comfort and keep energy bills under control. Whether you own your home or rent, there are practical steps you can take, and Columbia Water & Light offers free assessments and rebates to support winter readiness.
For Homeowners: Strengthen Your Heating System and Reduce Energy Loss
If you own your home, start with the systems and upgrades that will have the most significant impact:
Tune up your heating system
Replace furnace filters every 1–3 months.
Make sure vents are clear and unobstructed.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat and program for daytime and nighttime settings.
Schedule maintenance if it’s been more than a year.
Get more energy efficiency tips from Columbia Water & Light here.
Improve insulation and air sealing
Homeowners can go further than renters when it comes to reducing energy loss:
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and attic hatches.
Add insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces if levels are low.
- Install permanent weatherstripping and caulking.
Rebates from Columbia Water & Light can help offset the cost of these upgrades—especially insulation and heating equipment improvements.
Consider upgrading to a heat pump
Cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even in winter and can lower your heating and cooling costs year-round. If you’re exploring long-term upgrades, they’re one of the most cost-effective ways to improve comfort (and cut your GHGs way down!) Columbia offers heat pump rebates here.
Explore all available utility programs:
For Renters: Improve Comfort with Low-Cost, Low-Commitment Fixes
Renters don’t always have control over equipment upgrades, but there are many effective ways to stay warm and reduce bills:
Reduce drafts with temporary materials
Use removable caulk or weatherstripping on windows and doors.
Add draft stoppers at exterior doors.
Apply temporary window film for added insulation.
Use outlet and switch plate insulators on exterior walls.
These options are inexpensive, easy to remove, and usually acceptable in rental units. Utilize Columbia Water & Light rebates for cash back on these fixes.
Use your heating system efficiently
Keep furniture away from vents.
Use space heaters sparingly and safely.
Ask your landlord to replace filters or address maintenance issues—these are basic property responsibilities.
Renters who pay their own utilities will see the benefits quickly. Get more energy efficiency tips specifically for renters here.
Regardless of whether you rent or own, the basics of winter comfort are the same.
Stop heat from escaping
Seal small cracks around trim or baseboards.
Close curtains at night and open them on sunny days.
Check for cold air around windows, doors, and flooring.
Get a free professional assessment
Columbia Water & Light offers a free home energy assessment for both renters and homeowners (renters will need landlord approval for any recommended structural work).
The assessment identifies:
Air leakage
Insulation gaps
Appliance performance
Heating system efficiency
Upgrade and rebate opportunities
Schedule yours here:
Use local tools and tips
For additional guidance—DIY or otherwise—Columbia provides year-round resources:
Energy efficiency tips:
Preparing your home now, whether you rent or own, can make this winter more comfortable and affordable. Columbia’s programs can help you take the next step at little or no cost.
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