Preparing Monadnock homes for a safer, warmer winter

As temperatures begin to fall across the Monadnock Region, homeowners are preparing for another New Hampshire winter, a season that can bring freezing temperatures, rising heating costs and potentially costly home maintenance problems. Local energy assistance organizations say some of the most effective winter preparations involve improvements homeowners may not immediately think about, including sealing hidden air leaks and ensuring heating systems are properly maintained. "Two of the most common deficiencies we encounter are insufficient insulation and air leakage," Southwestern Community Services, a nonprofit serving Cheshire and Sullivan counties, said in a written response to ELF. "Both allow heat to escape and can make it harder to keep a home comfortable during the winter." Although some improvements require professional assistance, residents can take several relatively inexpensive steps to reduce energy loss and improve safety before the coldest weather arrives. Heating safety before winter arrives Fire prevention experts recommend residents should take precautions to ensure their heating equipment operates safely throughout the winter. "Our biggest recommendation is to have heating equipment inspected and serviced before the heating season begins," said Fire Prevention Lieutenant Meghan Manke. For furnaces and boilers, that means having a qualified technician inspect the system, check for proper operation and venting, and address any maintenance issues. Chimneys and wood-burning appliances require particular attention because accumulated creosote and blocked ventilation can increase the risk of fires or carbon monoxide exposure. Portable electric heaters also present hazards when used improperly. According to guidance from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office, electric space heaters should be placed on stable surfaces, kept away from combustible materials and turned off when residents leave a room or go to sleep. Southwestern Community Services recommends residents keep portable heaters at least three feet away from materials that can burn and plug them directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips. The organization also advises homeowners to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and keep exterior heating-system vents clear of snow and ice. Blocked exhaust vents can interfere with heating equipment and create dangerous conditions, including carbon monoxide buildup. For households concerned about maintenance costs, SCS offers another option. Households receiving fuel assistance may use up to $300 of their existing benefit toward a professional heating system cleaning and tune-up through the organization's Energy Services program. However, SCS emphasized the money comes from the household's existing fuel assistance allocation, reducing the amount available for heating fuel. Finding and preventing heat loss One of the biggest challenges facing New Hampshire homeowners is identifying where heated air escapes. While drafty windows and doors are often the most noticeable sources, energy efficiency specialists say substantial heat loss can occur in less visible parts of a building. "The biggest sources of heat loss in most New Hampshire homes are uncontrolled air leakage and inadequate insulation," NHSaves, a statewide energy efficiency initiative, said in a written response to ELF. "Warm air often escapes through gaps and cracks around attic hatches, recessed lighting, plumbing and electrical penetrations, rim joists, and basement areas. Many older homes were built before modern energy codes and may have little insulation or insulation that has settled, deteriorated, or was improperly installed over time." According to Southwestern Community Services, addressing air leaks can be just as important as adding insulation. "Insulation is important, but air sealing can also make a significant difference," the organization said. "People often think about insulation and windows when they think about heat loss. They may not consider air leakage through chases, recessed lights, or electrical outlets on exterior walls, or how pressure differences move air through a home." Some older properties require repairs before energy-efficiency improvements can safely begin. Southwestern Community Services said it frequently encounters homes with structural or maintenance problems that must be addressed first. When funding is available, the federal Department of Energy's Weatherization Readiness Funding can help address some barriers, although certain repairs remain outside program eligibility. NHSaves said the most effective weatherization measures, including air sealing and insulation, remain largely the same regardless of heating fuel. However, potential savings vary by energy source, meaning homes heated with more expensive fuels may see quicker financial returns from weatherization improvements. For residents facing immediate heating emergencies, SCS recommends contacting their town's assistance program, although services and eligibility requirements vary by municipality. For residents unable to afford major weatherization projects, assistance may be available through Southwestern Community Services, which administers weatherization programs for eligible households. Residents can learn more at scshelps.org or by calling 603-719-4159. Simple steps homeowners can take Not every winterization improvement requires a major financial investment. Installing window insulation film and replacing deteriorated weatherstripping around exterior doors can reduce drafts at relatively low cost. Homeowners can also inspect accessible plumbing in unheated areas, insulate vulnerable pipes and disconnect outdoor garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. During prolonged cold spells, maintaining adequate indoor heat is especially important for preventing frozen pipes in basements, crawl spaces and exterior walls. Residents should also prepare for potential power outages by keeping flashlights, batteries, drinking water and other emergency supplies accessible. Those using portable generators should operate them outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home. For households that cannot afford extensive weatherization work, SCS encourages residents to begin with affordable draft-reduction measures and routine heating maintenance. "Installing window insulation film and replacing worn weatherstripping around doors can help reduce drafts at a relatively low cost," the organization said. Although winter weather is an unavoidable part of life in southwestern New Hampshire, preparing early can help residents avoid preventable emergencies and manage household expenses. Whether that involves sealing gaps around windows, scheduling a heating inspection or applying for weatherization assistance, local energy specialists emphasize the importance of identifying potential problems before freezing temperatures settle in for the season. "Our goal is to help residents recognize those risks before an emergency occurs," Lieutenant Manke added. "We want people to feel comfortable reaching out to the Fire Department with questions or concerns about fire and life safety, rather than waiting until something goes wrong.