01/27/2025
Tips and tricks to winterize your home.
Winter isn’t around the corner—it’s already here. But it’s never too late to hunker down and winterize your home. You can still lower your energy bill and keep out the cold in some surprisingly simple ways.
So let the cold wind blow! Your home will be settling in for a long winter’s nap with these home protection tips.
1. Strategically deploy draft “snakes.” This one has been a favorite for generations. Fill a long tube sock or stocking with sand or dried beans, then lay it just inside the doorway to block any draft under the door. Simple, effective and a couple googly eyes make it fun.
2. Flip the switch on ceiling fans. Nearly all fans have a switch on the side that lets you change the direction of fan blades. In winter, a clockwise spin pushes down warm air from the ceiling. In summer, a counterclockwise spin pulls up cool air. In other words, staying warm is a breeze.
3. Insulate your windows and doors. Cold air has a way of sneaking into your home wherever it can find an opening. Shut the door (and windows) on Old Man Winter by recaulking windows and replacing worn-out weatherstripping. Even better, install storm windows and doors, or pick up a few plastic window insulation kits.
4. Clear your gutters. Icicles are pretty, but they could mean that your gutters are already clogged with water, leaves and debris. Not only is dripping/spilling water bad for your house, but a backed up gutter can create dangerous, heavy snow buildup on your roof.
5. Install a smart thermostat. You don’t have time to continually adjust your heat settings for maximum efficiency and maximum effectiveness. Smart technology does. It can even learn your preferences and turn down the heat when nobody’s home.
6. Hang thermal curtains. They’re like blankets for your windows. About 30% of a home’s heat energy is lost through windows.1 Keep yours safely tucked in with specially-layered curtains or even quilted window blinds.
7. Close the damper when there’s no fire. Together, your fireplace and chimney flue create a big hole leading straight into your living room. Great for letting out smoke—and for letting in cold. Keep it closed for your comfort.
8. Get comfortable with a humidifier. Dry air can be bad for your skin, allergies, and nasal passages. It easily transmits colds and flu.2 It can even damage the wood in your home and furniture. And if that’s not enough, dry air doesn’t feel as warm as more humid air.
1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings
