10 Tips to save money on your heating this winter.

Things you can do on the cheap to help you winterize your home

Do you have drafty windows and can’t afford to replace them?

If the answer is yes, Then read along… here are some tips to help you out this winter.

1. Caulk and insulate your windows.  For under $10.00 you can get a can of foam insulation and a tube of caulk. Remove the molding from around the window. Wet your hand and place near the window to help you locate where the cold air is coming in. Use low expansion foam in the visible holes and gaps around the window.

2. Replace the molding and caulk around the entire window. This will help you seal out the cold air and drafts.

3. To help further insulate your windows make sure you use honeycomb shades. These are an inexpensive way to increase the energy efficiency of your windows.

4.  Insulated curtains will really help you save on your energy bills. Make sure you raise the shades during the day to allow the sun to heat your home for free and close them at night to keep the heat in.

5. Get a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature on low at night and while you are at work. Increase the heat setting a half-hour before you wake up and before you return from work. You will be amazed at how this can help reduce fuel consumption.

6.  If you have AC vents – close them. No sense in paying to heat the duct work in your house. If you can’t manually close them then you can purchase inexpensive magnetic covers that will stick to them and seal them off.

7.  If you have pull down attic stairs you need to insulate the opening. This was a difficult task to master until Corning came out with an insulated tent that is flexible, light and can be re-positioned very easily. It covers the opening in the attic and prevents heat from escaping. This will set you back around $50.00 but it is well worth it.

8. Make sure all your doors have the proper weather stripping around them. New weather stripping can be purchased cheaply and will help seal your door.

9. Also, make sure you have a storm door. This will create an air pocket to help with insulating and protecting the door from the elements. If you have an attached garage think about replacing the door with a new insulated one. A great deal of heat is lost this way.

10. Here is a tip that won’t cost you a penny – keep your closet doors closed. Why pay to heat your closet!