photo by steed media service

Winter is finally here, and that means shorter days and higher energy bills. But, you don’t have to lose the battle to Jack Frost. Follow these five simple measures to winterize your home and you’ll stay warm without spending a small fortune in the process.

Seal All Cracks – According to earthworksgroup.com, the heat loss from a gap between a door and the door frame, is equivalent to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall. By installing door sweeps, sealing masonry with weather-resistant caulk and applying caulk in drafty cracks, you’ll keep the chill and insects outside.

Keep Your Cool – Don’t ‘yoyo heat’ your home by turning heat on and off when you enter and leave your home. Keep the thermostat at 70 degrees. By maintaining a constant temperature, your heating unit won’t work as hard, meaning lower energy bills.

Space Heat – For those who don’t utilize all your rooms, a space heater will use a fraction of the energy and keep you just as warm. Don’t worry, manufacturers have developed ultra-safe units that cut off when tipped over or when they come in close contact with other objects.

Inspect Your Central Heater – If your heat ducts are not properly connected, you can lose up to 60 percent of the heat generated by the furnace. By spending the nominal cost for an inspector to check for leaks or blockage, you will prolong the life of your unit.

Smoke Detection – More home fires occur in the winter than any other season. Working smoke detectors reduce the chances of fire by 50 percent. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and routinely press the test buttons to make sure they’re functioning properly. - adam jones


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