Is your Nashville home ready for the cold winter weather?

11/7/2015 (Permalink)

Window installation kit Window installation kit Source - http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/3770/draughty-pvc-window

The cold weather is back to stay for the next couple of months and it’s time to make sure that your home is ready for it. According to Popular Mechanics, there are steps that can be taken to winterize your home before the cold is here to stay. Taking the time to winterize your home will not only save the energy in your home, but also keep money in your pockets monthly. 

·      Change furnace filter

This task can be easy to forget, but should be done once a month during the cold season. These filters fill up quickly and without proper airflow, more energy is used when trying to heat the home and in turn costs more money. 

·      Fill in the cracks 

Take a look around your home for any gaps or cracks in seals. Many cracks form at corners, chimneys and where pipes or wires exit along the foundation. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal up these gaps to save energy and money throughout your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simple leaks can sap home energy by 5% to 30% a year. 

·      Run fans in reverse 

Many people either don’t realize that this is an option or just forget to change their fans direction. Running the fan counterclockwise produces a cool breeze, while running the fan clockwise takes the warm air from the ceiling and circulates it back into the room, making the room warmer. 

·      Insulate your windows 

Plastic over your windows does not have to look big, bulky and noticeable. Department stores sell cheap windows insulation kits that help keep the draft out and the warmth in.