Whether you love winter or completely despise it, there is one thing everyone can agree on: we want to keep our energy costs down. When Old Man Winter arrives, he tries to make your energy costs go up. He pesters at the windows and doors, slips through the cracks, and can even find his way down the fireplace. To help fight off his wintry grip, here a few suggestions to help keep costs down.
Replace Old Weatherstripping
Like anything, weatherstripping wears out over time. This is one of the most effective ways to seal a home up from the outside temperatures. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to replace. New weatherstripping will keep your home sealed up tight, keeping you snug and warm.
Adjust Door Thresholds
Since weather fluctuates, the changing temperatures cause wood to expand and contract. In other words you home rhythmically breathes with the changing of the seasons. To help protect against the cold, adjusting door thresholds helps keep doors snug and prevents cold air from leaking through the cracks.
Eliminate Drafts Around Electrical Boxes
Making sure outlets are covered seals some majorly drafty holes; plus new covers can always create a fresh look in your home!
Plug Holes in Exterior Walls
Strong seals on exterior holes prevent major leakage of warm air. Exterior holes are common in crawl spaces and foundations.
Fill Troublesome Holes
These preventive measures, will prevent cold from leaking in, and when snow and ice melt they will not cause water damage. Just determine the best material to use, whether it’s putty, insulation, water tight sealers or caulking and you’re on your way to saving energy.
Buy a Portable Heater
Turn down the furnace! Save gas costs buy using an electric heater to ward off the chill. By being portable, it can be placed in the room you are using at any given time.
Cover Windows and Patio Doors with Plastic
Old windows, patio doors, and skylights are notorious for leaking air both in and out. Covering doors and windows with plastic acts as a temporary seal for the winter months. The clear plastic still allows for the passage of light and the visibility outside.
Keep Heat from Escaping up the Chimney
Balloons like these expand into the chimney shaft to prevent leakage. Capping the top of the chimney also helps.
Insulate the Attic Access Door
Insulating the access door to your attic entrance helps keep heat in the main part of the home instead of escaping into the attic and seeping out through the roof. Remember, insulation can cause irritation when exposed to the skin. Foam sprayed insulation may work as a better solution.
Seal Air Leaks in Duct Work
Sealing old duct work helps to keep the heating system more efficient. This prevent the system from working harder than necessary.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
New thermostats help keep the heating and cooling system running efficiently and quietly. Plus, a new sleek looking t-stat on your wall does not hurt!
Use the Sun to Your Advantage
The sun is our most natural warmth provider. Utilizing the sun’s light throughout the day helps keep the warmth inside your home. Keep blinds and curtains open and let that sunlight in!
Keep Registers Clear
Allowing for proper ventilation and circulation keeps the furnace working efficiently. Heat is able to flow more freely with open space, allowing the space to heat faster.
These are just a few of the many ideas to help combat the cold and harshness of winter. Give some of these a try and see what kind of energy savings you enjoy.
