September 6, 2012

Energy Saving Tips for Winter


Winterize NOW for a comfortable & cozy December!

Here are a few energy saving tips for winter and for saving money on heating and repair costs!

Outside:

  • Clean the gutters so ice dams don’t form and cause damage.
  • Replace cracked caulk around roof vents and around the chimney.
  • Install a chimney cap to keep critters and objects from dropping in. A cap will also keep water out of the fireplace.
  • Put door sweeps on those that don’t connect with the threshold. Use caulk around windows and doors as needed or masonry sealer on brick.
  • Rake away debris and weeds from the foundation and seal any cracks. Install a plastic cover on the crawlspace access door and seal some of the vents.

In the garage:

  • Clear enough space to put your car inside on very cold nights.
  • Check your snowblower and generator to be sure that they are in running condition.
  • Buy a new snow shovel if you need one and have a bag of ice-melt on hand.

In the crawlspace:

  • Wrap exposed pipes with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. If freezing pipes are a significant problem for your home, wrap the pipes with heating tape… and be sure it is activated in cold weather!
  • Check heat ducts for air leaks. (Don’t forget to look in the crawlspace, attic AND basement.) Fix any breaks or gaps with metal-backed tape.

In the attic:

  • If you can see the ceiling joists, add insulation. Avoid a paper-backed product since it can cause moisture problems, according to experts at MSN Real Estate.

In the house:

  • Get the furnace checked and the central air conditioning or evaporative cooling unit winterized at the same time.
  • Be sure the fireplace damper isn’t open unless you’re building a fire. Wood stoves should have glass doors that are closed when the stove is not in use.
  • Install socket sealers over unused electrical outlets on outside walls, and reverse ceiling fans so they push warm air forward and force it to circulate.

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