Unseasonably Cold Winters Are Driving Up Energy Bills. Your Home Shouldn’t Pay the Price.

February 9, 2026

This winter’s unseasonably cold temperatures across Southeast Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois have forced furnaces to run longer, energy bills to climb higher, and comfort to drop fast.

If your home feels drafty, rooms are unevenly heated, or your heating costs are higher than last year, your exterior systems may be working against you.

The good news is that smart upgrades can make an immediate difference. Improvements like attic insulation, roofing, windows, and siding help keep warm air inside, reduce energy loss, and protect your home from future cold snaps. These upgrades are not just about comfort. They lower monthly utility costs and increase the long-term value of your home.

With tax refund season here, now is an ideal time to invest that money back into your home. Instead of spending your return on short-term purchases, using it toward energy-efficient improvements delivers year after year savings and protection.

At Dick’s, attic insulation upgrades start at $1,499, offering one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to improve comfort and lower heating bills. Backed by decades of experience, Dick’s is an award-winning, full-service contractor proudly serving Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois since 1957, delivering durable exterior solutions designed for Midwest winters, humid summers, and year-round protection.

Smart Home Upgrades That Improve Efficiency and Increase Home Value

When it comes to protecting your home from Wisconsin and Illinois’s extreme weather, the biggest gains come from improvements that work together. Upgrading insulation, roofing, windows, and siding does more than make your home more comfortable. These projects improve energy efficiency, lower long-term maintenance costs, and add real value to your home.

According to national energy and housing data, homeowners who invest in exterior upgrades often see immediate comfort improvements and financial returns through lower utility bills and higher resale value.

At Dick’s, we help homeowners improve efficiency and durability with proven solutions built for our region.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that proper attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent. In Southeast Wisconsin, where long stretches of cold weather are common, insulation plays a critical role in keeping warm air inside your home.

Upgrading attic insulation helps:

  • Reduce heat loss during winter
  • Keep attic heat out during summer
  • Reduce strain on your furnace and air conditioner
  • Maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round

Your roof is a key part of your home’s energy performance. Aging or damaged roofing allows air leakage and moisture intrusion, which reduces insulation effectiveness and increases heating costs.

The National Association of Realtors reports that a new roof can recover more than 60 percent of its cost in added home value. A properly installed roof also helps prevent ice dams, protects your attic insulation, and extends the life of your entire exterior system.

Windows account for up to 30 percent of residential heat loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Drafty or outdated windows allow warm air to escape in winter and let heat in during summer.

Energy efficient replacement windows help:

  • Reduce drafts and cold spots
  • Improve indoor comfort
  • Lower heating and cooling costs

Industry data shows that window replacements can return over 65 percent of their cost at resale, while making your home quieter and more comfortable every day.

Modern siding does more than improve curb appeal. Today’s siding systems reduce air leakage, improve thermal performance, and protect your home from wind, moisture, and temperature swings.

Insulated siding can increase your home’s R value and improve overall efficiency. Remodeling industry data shows siding upgrades can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost in increased home value, making it one of the smartest long term exterior investments.

Insulation Interior

A Long-Term Investment That Pays You Back

These upgrades work together as a complete exterior system. Better insulation keeps heat where it belongs. A solid roof prevents air and moisture intrusion. Efficient windows stop drafts. Durable siding seals and protects your home.

The result is a home that costs less to heat and cool, feels more comfortable year-round, and holds its value over time.

Instead of reacting to rising energy bills every winter, investing in your home now creates lasting savings and protection. For many Southeast Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois homeowners, using a tax refund toward these improvements is one of the smartest long-term financial decisions they can make.

Wisconsin Service Areas

  • Kenosha County
  • Walworth County
  • Racine County
  • Milwaukee County
  • Waukesha County

Illinois Service Areas

  • Lake County
  • McHenry County

If you are looking for an experienced exterior contractor in Southeastern Wisconsin or Northeastern Illinois, Dick’s has the local knowledge and proven solutions to protect your home and improve its performance. Request your free estimate today!