Winterizing your home
Here are some helpful tips that will not only keep you warm but save you money this heating season.
Inside Checklist
- Clean and inspect your furnace, replace the air filter. Check the operating manual for your furnace model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Check the insulation in your attic, exterior walls and basement. Add more if necessary, this will make a huge difference in your heating bill.
- Insulate your water heater and any exposed pipes.
- Insulate electrical outlets. This will cost as little as $1-2 per outlet.
- Look for any holes or gaps around windows and foundations. Use caulk or even toothpaste to block the draft.
Tips for Inside
- Hang heavy curtains.
- Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans.
- Use an electric blanket or lap blankets in living room, use heavy blankets on beds.
- Lower your heat while you are gone or sleeping to 60 to 65 degrees. This will save you money as it is easier to maintain and raise the temperature once you are home.
- Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to easily regulate the temperature.
This is a great time to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detector(s) and replace the batteries!
Outside Checklist
- Clean your gutters.
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected for cracks, repair as needed.
- Check windows, pipes, and dryer vents, caulk where needed.
- Trim tree branches that could break during storms and cause damage to your home or the electrical service entrance.
- Winterize outside faucets.
Tips for Outside
- Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and hoses for the winter.
- Check lights and timers, reset for earlier darkness.
These are only some of the things you can do to save money and be more comfortable this heating season. Many winterizing projects are fairly inexpensive and in return lead to money saved in heating expenses.
Remember, whenever you are working on home projects, make safety your #1 concern. Read our article on ladder safety.