Weatherizing Your Home for This Winter

The temperature outside is dropping for the season - have you thought about winterizing your home? It's a great way to save a ton on your energy bills. Properly winterizing your home takes some effort, but it can help you save a lot on heating costs, and keep you and your family more warm and comfortable.

The first and perhaps easiest step you can take is to check your furnace's air filter, especially if it hasn't been checked in awhile. If it's dirty, replace it. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your furnace, making your heating bills higher. Be sure to check the duct work also by looking for cracks or gaps, especially at joints. Make sure your air vents are not blocked by furniture or other items, this can cause your furnace to work less efficiently and raise your bills. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature, generally between 68 and 72. And, the more you leave the thermostat alone, the more efficient your furnace will be. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, check the flue for blockage or debris, such as bird's nests. When you're not using the fireplace or woodstove, keep the flue closed. And of course, have your heater inspected annually by a licensed contractor to be sure that everything is in good working order and running efficiently.

The second step is important, sealing your home to keep the cold out. You can do that by covering your windows with clear plastic sheeting, weatherstripping your doors, and using socket sealers on electrical sockets on exterior walls. You can get all-in-one kits at the store for about $10 that include all of these items and everything you need to seal your home. The kits give easy, step-by-step instructions and the plastic sheeting is crystal clear, so you can still see out of your windows. This can end up saving you well over $100 in heating bills this winter! And, it will keep cold rooms or drafty areas more comfortable.

Be sure to check around your home's foundation for any gaps or cracks that will let cold air into your home, as well as areas where pipes go in and out of your home. Adding insulation is always a good idea too, as it blocks heat loss and keeps your home warmer for longer. The attic is the easiest and most cost-effective place to add insulation. Using insulated drapes can also keep the warm in and reduce drafts. On sunny days, open the drapes to let warming sunlight into the home, then close them in the evening.