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.