Tips & Tricks To Winterize Your Home

One of the best perks of making your home more green is that it makes a ton of financial sense.  Windy, rainy and cool weather is already here.  For the amount of money you may spend on candy and Halloween decorations this year you could winterize your home, reduce your carbon footprint, be more comfy and save some money as a result.

Regardless whether you rent or own – these great tips apply to everyone and makes financial sense.

Plug that Draft from Your Outlets

There are several places in your home where you may be losing heat and may not even realize it. One that most people overlook is the electrical outlets. Just remove the cover plates using a screwdriver, place the precut foam seal over the outlet or switch, then put the cover plates back on and you’re finished.

Caulking Those Cracks

No science degree needed for this also.  Simply seal up small cracks around windows, doors, vents, anywhere air can filter through.  Find all those small drafts can be as easy as slowly walking around with incense stick or a candle along floors, walls, and windows and notice where the flame flutters or smoke drifts.

Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans

This will push the hot air down and help it recirculate through out the house.

Weather-strip That Door

Take things up a notch by lining the top and sides of your entry door with weather stripping. The strips come in different sizes and styles.  Find it Ace’s website or just speak to someone at your local HomeDepot about what’ll work for you.

Turn down the Water Heater Thermostat

Many thermostats are set to heat the water to 140 F. That level of warmth is often not needed. Turning down the thermostat to 120 F can save considerable energy … and money.

Get a Snuggie for Your Heater

Yes that’s right, if you give your water heater some love it will return the favor in some green bank notes.  Wrap it in a giant cozy and  it will keep your water hot longer.  This way it won’t need to work as hard and save resources.  Tip: It will pay for itself in energy savings within twelve months.

Pipe Check Up from the Neck Up

After you dress up the Water Heater consider insulating your water pipes as well.  Try pipe foam. It sort of looks like a big foam straw with a cut on the side.  Simply wrap this goodie around pipes coming from your water heater, under the sink, in crawl spaces and anywhere else they’re exposed.

Give Your Filter an Exam

Filthy or clogged furnace filters hinder airflow and force your furnace to use more energy.  They also trap in air pollutants like mold and pollen. Have it replaced or consider buying a “permanent” filter. The permanent types you can just rinse every few weeks.  Not needing to replace it means no waste down the road.

Cozy up to Save

Keep the thermostat a little lower and dress warmer. A sweater worn around the house can save you money. Also, don’t forget to don slippers or warm socks. A lot of heat is lost through the feet and head.