Simple non-costly Ways to Winterize your Home

This post was written for the inclusion in The Change The World Wednesday (CTWW) challenge with Reduced Footprints.

 

 

It’s important and imperative that families save money.  Many of the topics this week will focus on the idea of consuming less/saving more.  This post concentrates on a few SIMPLE things that can be done yourself to prepare your home – so that you loose less.  The goal is waste less fuel – thereby reducing your personal carbon footprint – and being more eco-friendly to your pocketbook.

The focus of this post is simple.  I am going to discuss a 6 easy way to winterize your home.  While I am not going to discuss major changes like, changing all of your windows or replacing your heating system – those major changes make a world of difference.  If you have the financial resources, by all means – go for it.

Here are a few simple ways to winterize your home and reduce your heating loss.

• Winterize your window with weather-stripping and plastic.  Here is a tutorial on how to accomplish this for less than $25.00.

 

 

• This applies only if you own a single family home.  Buy caulk, and walk around the exterior of your home and look for cracks – especially around the foundation.  Seal those cracks with caulk.

• Reverse ceiling fans so that they push the hot air down into the room.

• Insulate exposed plumping pipes.  Insulating cold pipes reduces condensation – and therefore corrosion of the pipes. Insulating exposed heating pipes reduces the escape of heat.  To do this project, you need insulation and silver duct tape.

 

 

• Drain garden spouts and hoses to prevent freezing.

• Have your HVAC system serviced twice a year.  Just have it done by a professional.  Many companies will offer a yearly service plan.

 

What simple steps do you take to winterize your home?