These DIY projects are important for preparing your home for cold weather.
However, it’s critical to note that the complexity of these tasks can vary, and if you’re not comfortable with any of them, it’s advisable to consult a professional.
- Weatherstripping: seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping. This prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
- Insulate attic and walls: Adding insulation to your attic and walls can significantly improve energy efficiency. This is a DIY project, but you may want to consult a professional for the best results.
- Seal leaks: check for any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior walls and foundation, and around pipes. Use Coke or form sealant to seal these areas.
- Check the heating system: replace air filters in your heating system regularly. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, ensure it’s clean and in good working condition.
- Install programmable thermostats: This allows you to set the temperature lower when you’re not home and warm it up before you return, saving on heating costs.
- Draft stoppers: you can buy draft stoppers for doors to prevent cold air from coming in. You can easily make these by sewing a fabric tube and filling it with rice or beans.
- Window installation film: if you have single-pane glass, apply insulation film to your windows. It’s a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss.
- Gutter maintenance: clean out your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which damage your roof.
- Reverse ceiling fans: set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Seal ducts: check for leaks in your HVAC ducks and seal them with duct tape or majestic sealant.
Common energy-wasting habits, here are some things that people do every day to waste energy. Do they sound familiar?
- Forget to adjust the thermostat to save energy when your house is unoccupied.
- Leave lights and electric devices on when they are not being used.
- Run the dishwasher or clotheswasher only with a small amount of items.
- Take long, hot showers and run water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Stand in front of an open refrigerator deciding what to eat.
- Leave a space heater running when you’re asleep or when you leave the area.
