Unlike today, which is an unseasonable 75 degrees, we will soon be bundling up and dashing inside to escape the frigid temperatures once again. Here are a few do-it-yourself tips to help ensure your home keeps you comfortable while keeping your utility bill under control.
1. Seal Those Gaps & Cracks!
Inspect the exterior of your home paying special attention to any cracks or gaps that need to be sealed. Inspect around doors and windows. Use weatherstripping to help
seal
around doors and caulk to seal around windows.
2. Reverse the fan!?
Reversing the direction your ceiling fan spins will force warm air down and back into circulation. (For winter, as you look up, the blades should be spinning clockwise.)
3. Keep those pipes warm!
Remember to insulate exposed plumbing pipes. Also, drain outside garden hoses.
4. Learn how to shut off your water valve.
In the event a pipe does burst, you will most certainly want to be able to shut it off quickly. Make sure the people in your home know where to locate the shut off.
Making the most out of the energy that your home uses saves you money. Besides these easy do-it-yourself steps, adding insulation to your home is extremely cost effective. The
2010 Energy Efficiency tax credit
is almost expired, but there is still time for you to take advantage and be more comfortable this winter!