There are several low-cost methods to make your home warmer in the winter.
• Use rugs on hard surface floors, wear slippers or shoes – no explanation needed here…
• Use blinds and window covers – this reduces the radiant loss of your body heat being drawn to the cold window
• Identify draft sources and stop them. Exterior doors, outlets & switches, ceiling light fixtures are the most common and easist to repair. Kits are available at most hardware stores.
• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
• Change the furnace filter regularly
• Check flaps or dampers on fans to ensure they are closing when not in use
• Check attic & crawlspace hatches for good seal & proper insulation
Some other suggestions which a homeowner might want to have professionally upgraded:
• Have storm doors installed
• Check insulation values and quality of the insulation installation & upgrade as needed.
• Full weatherization & sealing service
• Full energy audit with improvement analysis for prioritized list
A couple words of caution.
1. Get a carbon monoxide detector and use it.
2. Window replacement is usually a very long term for payback.
3. Cheaper improvements generally have the best bang for buck!
Be sure to also winterize your pipes to prevent freezing!
For more information see our website at http://www.swiftsureenergy.com
